David Steel | 29th August 2023
Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the South Shields game.
WELCOME FROM DAVID STEEL, DFCSG VICE CHAIR
Welcome back to Blackwell Meadows after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brackley, this time against our north-east neighbours – South Shields FC.
The last time we played 'The Mariners' was in the FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying back in 2017, when they defeated us 3-0. It must be said that they were full value for their win that day.
Our visitors have made a decent start to their first season in the National League North, which is unsurprising as they are a full-time outfit that won the Northern Premier League with an eight-point cushion. So, we will have to be at our best today to take something from the game.
H’away Darlo!
SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICERS
Earlier this month, the club appointed two long-serving fans and DFCSG Directors, Andrew Scullion and Rob Duncan, as Supporter Liaison Officers.
The FA had instructed us to appoint a Supporter Liaison Officer as part of the action plan following the Scarborough incident in January 2023. The SLOs will act as conduits between the club and the fans, particularly with regards to information flow on club decisions and activities, and also to contribute to a positive supporter culture and work proactively.
Andrew and Rob are ideal for the SLO roles given that they have both been Darlington fans for many years, are long-standing/popular volunteers and are prominent within the fan base due to their positions on the DFCSG board. Best of luck to both Andrew and Rob from all at DFCSG.
DFCSG SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL
As a legacy from when we used to have a universal renewal date of 1st September (we moved to rolling renewal dates when we launched the YourClub platform) we have a glut of members/owners renewing their memberships around this time. Many thanks to those that have already renewed their memberships.
For those that haven't yet renewed, you should have received a letter or an email advising you of the many convenient ways you can pay. Your subscriptions make a valued contribution to the numerous ways that we are able to support the club. At the time of writing, we have 1,285 owners/members, which is a remarkably high proportion of the Club's fan-base.
THE PRICE OF PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL
The Football Supporters Association are conducting surveys of ticket prices in the Premiership following reports of some double-digit percentage rises on last season's prices, despite the continued pressures on household budgets.
The most expensive season tickets in the Premier League are to be found in London at Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. At an eye-watering £3,000, Fulham now have the dearest non-corporate season ticket in the country (equivalent to an eye-watering £158/match!). Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur come in second and third with their highest non-corporate season tickets costing £2,025 and £1,783 respectively.
Additionally, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Manchester United and Manchester City all have some non-corporate season tickets passing the £1,000 mark.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Buxton on Saturday 2nd September. The coach will depart from Park Place at 10.15am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £23 (£12 juniors) and adult non-members is £26 (£13 juniors).
A week later we travel to Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday 9th September. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £26 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £29 (£15 juniors).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
