David Steel | 26th November 2023
Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Rushall Olympic game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
Firstly, thanks to everyone who attended the recent fans forum, both in-person and online. And thanks to the Mercure Hotel for hosting the event and providing Josh & Danny with complimentary rooms in compensation for the technical hitches!
It was good to hear DJ's reflections on the challenges faced this year and his continued determination to take Darlington Football Club forward. I was once again impressed with Josh Gowling's articulate, intelligent, and modern approach to football management. Josh will be the first to admit it's a results-based business, but I have every confidence Josh will continue working tirelessly to deliver success.
Rushall Olympic were promoted to National League North last season having secured victory in the play-offs following a fifth place finished in the Premier Division Central table. The Pics have experienced an indifferent start to the season and, like the Quakers, are focussed on securing the points needed to move away from the bottom four.
Recent form has been patchy, but does include a 5-0 home win against Chorley. Danny Waldron currently leads the goalscoring charts, with 13 goals in 18 games (scoring a goal every 105 minutes), so a decent defensive performance will be needed.
From a Darlo perspective, things are settling down after 'that night' in Chorley. The squad is starting to take shape and its good to see Akwasi Asante getting minutes under his belt.
He's arguably our biggest signing since becoming fan owned and it looks like he’ll be a real handful for opposition defences – a cult hero in the making.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Rushall Olympic. Enjoy the game!
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL STRONGER COMMUNITIES AWARDS
DFCSG Directors Richard Baker and Mick Dawson, both recent appointments to our board, represented both the football club and DFCSG on the evening of Friday 17th November at the Darlington Borough Council Stronger Communities Awards, presenting the 'Contribution to Sport' award to Darlington-based winners England Youth Kettlebell Team, with DFC being category sponsor.
JIMMY WILLIS Q&A
DFC Owners can enjoy an exclusive video on YOURCLUB of an interview DFCSG Director Andrew Scullion conducted with Darlo legend Jimmy Willis in hospitality prior to our home game with Gloucester City.
Jimmy talks to Andrew about those successful 89-91 days, his move to Leicester City, scoring in all top five divisions and the day his Superman slippers caught fire!
Owners simply need to sign into YOURCLUB, head to the 'YOURCLUB Content' section and click on 'Jimmy Willis Q&A' to enjoy the video. Stay tuned for other exclusive 'Owner-only' Q&A videos shortly.
DFC OWNER REGISTRATION QR CODE
As you may have seen on social media recently, Darlo manager Josh Gowling signed up to be one of the Club's Owners, and we're delighted to have him as part of our fan ownership community.
As well as Josh, and Darlington fans from around the world, our fan ownership group of c1,270 also includes the likes of Ben Hedley, Tommy Taylor, Toni Upton, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Gavin Worboys, Peter Kirkham, Paul Ward and Kasabian's Chris Edwards, all of whom have a say in how our football club is run.
If you’re interested in becoming a DFC Owner, click here.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Southport on Saturday 2nd December. As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 11am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £24 (£12 juniors) and adult non-members is £27 (£14 juniors).
The following Saturday (9th December) we'll be making a trip to Banbury United for our rearranged NLN league fixture. 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.
