David Steel | 28th January 2024
Missed today's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Hereford FC game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
The tough run continues as we entertain Hereford FC at Blackwell Meadows. The fixture list hasn't been kind to Darlo in recent weeks, with us being pitted against the second, first and sixth placed teams in succession.
Steve has started to shape the squad to deliver his own vision and preferred style of play, with more arrivals and departures expected in the coming weeks. The mid-season Boost the Budget funds will be a massive benefit to the Football Club on this front.
The Bulls are historically one of the best-supported clubs in non-league and, just like Darlo, have risen through the football pyramid following a turbulent past. Hereford United was wound up by the High Court with debts of around £1.3m in December 2014.
A new 'phoenix club' was formed three days later and won three league titles in its first three campaigns – the Midland Football League Premier Division followed by the Southern League Division One South & West, and the Southern League Premier. The Bulls have become a little stuck since their promotion to NLN in 2018, but did secure a 5th place finish last season; their best in six seasons.
At the time of writing, Hereford FC occupy 6th place and are pushing hard to secure a play-off place. Recent form has been mixed and includes a victory over Torquay United in the FA Trophy, draws against Kings Lynn and Gloucester, and a defeat to Scarborough.
Jason Cowley is the club's top scorer on eight goals and their squad features Adam Rooney, who reportedly earned "serious cash" at Salford in the National League.
Simon Johnson makes another appearance in hospitality today and played over 60 games for both Darlo and Hereford. However, Johnno did score more goals for the Quakers, so I suspect he prefers us! Good to see you Simon.
Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Hereford FC. Enjoy the game!
DARLINGTON FC HALL OF FAME
Last November the first nominees were inducted to the Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame. These were players who had represented the Club specifically during the 1960s.
We are now moving on to the next phase of the project and we are asking fans to get involved again by nominating individuals who made an outstanding contribution to their enjoyment as a Darlington fan during the 1970s.
So, if you were watching Darlo in the 1970s, we would like to hear from you. Nominees could have had a long and distinguished career or be renowned for specific qualities or achievements.
Each fan is entitled to submit a maximum of two nominations.
You need to be logged in to your YOURCLUB account to submit your nominations. If you have forgotten your password, email neil.raper@darlingtonfc.org for assistance. If you don’t have a YOURCLUB account, it is free to register.
Nominations close at 6pm on Friday 12th February 2024.
CLUB IN CRISIS: NUNEATON BOROUGH
Elsewhere, there was terrible news for Nuneaton Borough supporters last week as the club announced it could no longer continue operations and with no viable takeover offer forthcoming, liquidation may follow.
"This decision comes with a heavy heart," the club said. "And we deeply appreciate the unwavering support from our loyal fans and the football community during this challenging time."
It doesn't matter whether you support a top Premier League side or a team battling in non-league - every club means as much to its own supporters.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Banbury United on Tuesday 30th January. As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 2.45pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £27 (£14 juniors) and adult non-members is £30 (£15 juniors).
On Saturday 3rd February, we'll be making the trip to Brackley Town. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9.30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £27 (£14 juniors) and adult non-members is £30 (£15 juniors).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
