Ted Blair | 3rd December 2023
Page scans of both George McGeachie and Alan Sproates' testimonial programmes from 1967 and 1974 respectively.
Following their recent inductions to the Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame for the 1960s era, I wanted to share with you all some page scans from the testimonial programmes of both George McGeachie and Alan Sproates.
I didn't attend either of the games, but somehow came into possession of both programmes.
It is very interesting to note that Terry Farley MBE, who still helps the club behind the scenes today as 'Matchday Officials Host', was a linesmen for one of the Alan Sproates games and then ref for the other!
For reasons I'm unsure of, the Alan Sproates' programme isn't dated, however the internet can help us there:
"Alan played his last game for Darlington in the 2-1 home win over Reading on New Year's Day 1974, and picked up a knee injury. He had a brief loan spell at Hartlepool, and then moved on to Scunthorpe, before emigrating to America.
He was given a well-earned testimonial against Middlesbrough on 23 March 1974, which was good timing because only a few days before, Boro had clinched promotion by beating Oxford United. Plus the government had lifted the ban on using floodlights, so there was no need for the club to hire a generator.
A crowd of 6,000, by far Darlo's best gate of the season, turned up to see two matches, involving then Boro manager Jack Charlton and several big names. Alan managed to miss a penalty though!"
So that clears that one up!
I hope you enjoy the scans below.
GEORGE MCGEACHIE
ALAN SPROATES
