David Steel | 13th 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 Tamworth game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
Congratulations to Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell on their recent appointments.
Steve previously managed Gateshead, York City and Chester, so he knows the league inside out and understands what's required to move Darlo up the table. He was on the brink of promotion with York City before Covid struck and the controversial 'points per game' conclusion handed the title to King's Lynn Town.
Terry Mitchell has a wealth of experience, particularly in north-east football. He guided Consett to the FA Vase final in May 2021 and managed Blyth Spartans in the National League North. There's no doubt he'll provide excellent support to Steve.
Tamworth currently occupy top stop, whilst we're nudging towards safety at the opposite end of the table. We lost 4-0 to The Lambs back in October, but I suspect it'll be a much tighter contest today.
Tamworth weren't predicted to feature as title candidates but their excellent form continues with eight wins in their last nine league games - their only defeat coming away from home to Chester on 9th December. Hopefully we can curb their progress today and enhance our own in league position in the process.
Its good to see Mark Dobie in hospitality today. Mark signed from Torquay United and played 36 games for Quakers during the 1992-93 season, scoring 8 goals. He played under the tutelage of both Billy McEwan and Alan Murray. Mark left after one season, returning to non-league football with Gretna.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Tamworth FC. Enjoy the game!
BOOST THE BUDGET JANUARY 2024
On Thursday 4th January 2024, we launched a mid-season 'Boost The Budget' campaign to help give funds to new manager Steve Watson. A target of £30,000 was set and a two-week donation deadline of Friday 19th January was put in place.
Darlington fans and owners, as they always do, rose to the challenge (even despite the time of year just post-Christmas and challenging season to date). One-third of the target was hit by the end of day one, £15,000 – 50% of target – was hit by the Friday afternoon.
At time of writing (Sunday 7th January), the total stands at £16,500. As you're reading this, we're hopefully beyond £20,000 and somewhere close to the £30,000 target with six days to go!
If you haven't donated yet, and you’re willing and able to, please head to https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/pitches/boost-the-budget-23-24-pt-2 to read more about this mid-season BTB and how you can contribute to Steve’s playing budget.
Many thanks from everyone at DFCSG to those who have 'dug deep' already and to those planning on donating in the week ahead too.
DARLINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB HALL OF FAME – 1970s
Following the successful induction to the DFC Hall of Fame in November of the distinguished players who outstanding contributions to the fortunes of Darlington Football Club during the 1960s, we will shortly be launching the next phase of the project.
We will be inviting fans to nominate their favourite players who represented Darlington FC during the 1970s. So, if you were watching the Quakers during that era, we will be announcing details on Monday 22nd January of how you will be able to submit your nominations.
This project was first 'hatched' in early-2022 by DAFTS (Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters), who are a social group of exiled supporters. They have sponsored this project in conjunction with DFCSG.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Curzon Ashton on Saturday 20th January. 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 £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).
On Tuesday 30th January, we'll be making the long trip to Banbury United for our rearranged NLN league fixture. 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).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
