Hope all you Prediction League managers and your families had a great Christmas!
It’s certainly better for Carl Hankin, who becomes our league leader over New Year and wins £10 in the process! Well done Carl, the cheque’s in the post – or it will be soon.
Recent match postponements have held the Come On Darlo Prediction League in a state of suspended animation – though recent scores have done little to boost managers’ points totals anyway.
Looking cold for the next few days, so don’t hold your breath
Best wishes to you and yours for the coming year
Pete
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Thursday 17 December 2009
Bad Weather Pitch Inspections
Given the impending bad weather, we thought we should find out what The Football League has to say about pitch inspections. This is what they have made public:
Following the onset of the recent cold snap, The Football League has re-iterated to clubs the recommended procedures with regard to early pitch inspections.
Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle, said, "Given the low temperatures we are currently experiencing it is very likely that we'll see a number of games being called off in the days ahead. Therefore, it is important that clubs do everything they can to prevent supporters making wasted journeys to postponed fixtures."
Consequently, in instances where there is any possibility of a fixture being postponed because of bad weather, the home club is expected to:
• provide an early warning to The Football League that the fixture might be in doubt and seek appropriate advice;
• contact the visiting club at least 24 hours prior to kick-off to ascertain their travelling arrangements and to keep these in mind throughout the ensuing lead up period;
• contact the match referee to inform him of the situation and to make him aware that an early inspection might be required. If needed, this inspection should be made prior to the visiting club and their supporters beginning their journey;
• contact The Football League if they believe a very early pitch inspection is a sensible course of action (e.g. Friday for a Saturday match). In such cases The League may arrange for the inspection to be made by a local referee, with the decision made by The League, itself, based on his/her report;
• keep supporters informed of any changes to the status of the match through relevant news channels such as Radio Five Live, the Press Association and Club websites & SMS services.
The League has also emphasised, once again, that whilst the responsibility for the initial action resides locally with the home team, no club may postpone a match by itself. Such a decision can only be taken by the match referee or The Football League.
Of course, the unpredictability of the British weather may still lead to some matches being called off late in the day or even abandoned after they have begun. However, through the implementation of these procedures it is hoped that such cases can be kept to a minimum.
Hopefully this will not affect us at Darlington, but we thought it would be of interest.
Following the onset of the recent cold snap, The Football League has re-iterated to clubs the recommended procedures with regard to early pitch inspections.
Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle, said, "Given the low temperatures we are currently experiencing it is very likely that we'll see a number of games being called off in the days ahead. Therefore, it is important that clubs do everything they can to prevent supporters making wasted journeys to postponed fixtures."
Consequently, in instances where there is any possibility of a fixture being postponed because of bad weather, the home club is expected to:
• provide an early warning to The Football League that the fixture might be in doubt and seek appropriate advice;
• contact the visiting club at least 24 hours prior to kick-off to ascertain their travelling arrangements and to keep these in mind throughout the ensuing lead up period;
• contact the match referee to inform him of the situation and to make him aware that an early inspection might be required. If needed, this inspection should be made prior to the visiting club and their supporters beginning their journey;
• contact The Football League if they believe a very early pitch inspection is a sensible course of action (e.g. Friday for a Saturday match). In such cases The League may arrange for the inspection to be made by a local referee, with the decision made by The League, itself, based on his/her report;
• keep supporters informed of any changes to the status of the match through relevant news channels such as Radio Five Live, the Press Association and Club websites & SMS services.
The League has also emphasised, once again, that whilst the responsibility for the initial action resides locally with the home team, no club may postpone a match by itself. Such a decision can only be taken by the match referee or The Football League.
Of course, the unpredictability of the British weather may still lead to some matches being called off late in the day or even abandoned after they have begun. However, through the implementation of these procedures it is hoped that such cases can be kept to a minimum.
Hopefully this will not affect us at Darlington, but we thought it would be of interest.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Prediction League Match 21
Okay, it’s time to admit defeat – yeah, not just the 5-0 away drubbing at Torquay, but also the season is over for Darlington and all they have to look forward to is the end of the season (we’ll worry about next season when/if that arrives).
What our managers have to worry about in terms of points scoring are these huge scores in each Darlo game. Would it come as a great surprise to learn that – again – there was no-one with the correct scoreline of 5-0? Perhaps the only other surprise is that "only" 82 managers predicted a home win. So the scramble for points goes on as we head towards the season’s mid-way point.
Carl Hankin just keeps his nose out in front on 65, but now closely followed by Adrian Pape on 62 who continues to confound all of his critics . . . well, one in particular (guess who?). Andrew Hodgson occupies bronze medal position with 61 points. There is a gap opening up to the rest of the league as fourth-placed Stephen Nicholson, Lance England and Steve Austin are sat on 55. Robert Mitchum, The Duke and Brian Main are close by on 54.
But let’s be honest here – if anybody puts a run together, and we’re only talking about the odd eight-pointer here and there – then we’ll have a runaway league leader before you know it. As it is, all spread betting for a 12-way tie for the championship has been suspended.
Susan Weston is leading the ladies’ challenge in 15th place on 50 points, Emma Davis and Abigail Robinson are right there on 48 points. Sue Oldham has 47 and Tracey Pickersgill is on 46.
John Berry’s second team is now the official League Duffer, the only remaining manager on single figures (9) - keeping Darlo in good company there John! Margaret White has been joined on 12 by Dave Brown, while Alan Mooney’s Icelandic funds are in short supply with 13 points. Even Malcolm Cundick’s team efforts – three teams in all – look to have been spread too thinly, with the first XI in 148th place on 23 and t’other two on 17 and 16 points. Even adding them all together wouldn’t have got you top spot!
Pete
What our managers have to worry about in terms of points scoring are these huge scores in each Darlo game. Would it come as a great surprise to learn that – again – there was no-one with the correct scoreline of 5-0? Perhaps the only other surprise is that "only" 82 managers predicted a home win. So the scramble for points goes on as we head towards the season’s mid-way point.
Carl Hankin just keeps his nose out in front on 65, but now closely followed by Adrian Pape on 62 who continues to confound all of his critics . . . well, one in particular (guess who?). Andrew Hodgson occupies bronze medal position with 61 points. There is a gap opening up to the rest of the league as fourth-placed Stephen Nicholson, Lance England and Steve Austin are sat on 55. Robert Mitchum, The Duke and Brian Main are close by on 54.
But let’s be honest here – if anybody puts a run together, and we’re only talking about the odd eight-pointer here and there – then we’ll have a runaway league leader before you know it. As it is, all spread betting for a 12-way tie for the championship has been suspended.
Susan Weston is leading the ladies’ challenge in 15th place on 50 points, Emma Davis and Abigail Robinson are right there on 48 points. Sue Oldham has 47 and Tracey Pickersgill is on 46.
John Berry’s second team is now the official League Duffer, the only remaining manager on single figures (9) - keeping Darlo in good company there John! Margaret White has been joined on 12 by Dave Brown, while Alan Mooney’s Icelandic funds are in short supply with 13 points. Even Malcolm Cundick’s team efforts – three teams in all – look to have been spread too thinly, with the first XI in 148th place on 23 and t’other two on 17 and 16 points. Even adding them all together wouldn’t have got you top spot!
Pete
Monday 7 December 2009
Prediction League Matches 19 and 20
There’s a cold wind blowing round The Arena as Darlington’s headlong plunge into the Blue Square Premier League continues at an alarming rate, with no sign of any let-up in the run of defeats . . . this time “only” 1-0 against Bradford City.
The one consolation (yes, a kinda scraping-the-barrel consolation) is that the lowly scoreline has brought a few maximums for our beleaguered managers . . . but not for the league leaders. Mind you, Carl Hankin’s three points has now opened up a massive gap of four on second placed Andrew Hodgson, who have 65 and 61, respectively. Adrian Pape is still there on 59 in third place with Stephen Nicholson holding station in fourth on 55. Lance England and Steve Austin locked together on 52.
The Duke’s eight points has got this good old southern boy up to 51 points in seventh spot, with Susan Weston’s max score taking her to 50 in joint 11th. My second team (never could pick ‘em) is just showing some form lately and is handily placed on 47 points. Our reigning champion Martyn Cripps isn’t giving up his crown easily and now has 44 points back in 29th place, just ahead of James Cagney on 42.
Other eight-pointers are: Paul Robinson in 52nd on 40 points; Iain Cardwell with 38 in 60th spot; Jamie Molnar on 36 in 70th position and Mick Spencer on 28 in 114th place.
There’s an ever colder breeze blowing through the nether reaches of the Come On Darlo Prediction League as Dave Brown and John Berry cling to nine points (it must be double figure phobia preventing them from going higher). Margaret White and Alan Mooney have done themselves no favours by their lack of points scoring, with a clutch of managers just above them on 14.
MATCH 19:
And the downpour of goals in the against column continues with another four conceded against high-flying Notts County . . . three of which came in the first 17 minutes. The 4-0 defeat seems to have condemned The Quakers to the Blue Square Premier League in most fans’ minds.
Five managers did however have the slight consolation of predicting the correct score – Stephen Nicholson benefited most by moving into fourth spot on 55 points, now only seven behind the leader. Carl Hankin retains top spot on 62 from Andrew Hodgson on 61 and Adrian Pape continues to confound some close relatives with his third place on 56.
Jonny Simpson’s eight-pointer has moved him to joint 27th on 43, well within striking distance of the top places. Paul Johnson’s first XI is only one point behind on 42. Russell Jones returns to winning ways with his prediction and just about earns respectability on 34 points in joint 67th place. Mick Moriarty completes the line-up for correct predictions, moving well away from the relegation places, with 28 points in 104th.
Dave Brown has finally hit the jackpot . . . well, three points anyway . . . and joins John Berry’s second XI on nine in Wooden Spoon Hell. Two of our long-serving managers, Alan Mooney and Margaret White are in danger of receiving the backing of their respective club’s boards – on 13 and 12 points, respectively. Followed, usually, by “leaving by mutual consent” - can they turn this season around? Hovering just above on 14 points are Raymond Percival, Richard Collin, Lee Dyas, Lemsip Opic and Nick Walters.
Also this week sees the addition of more points due to a cut-off point in the season – Darlington’s points total by November 25.
But, hold on a minute, I think my spreadsheet is faulty – it’s not registering any points at all for ANY managers in this section, not even for being within two of the correct number.
Hmmm . . . check the formula . . . no, that looks fine . . . check I’ve put the correct number of points in . . . that’s fine too!!!
Hold on a minute . . . eight points by November 25? Who on earth would’ve predicted that? Exactly! No-one did and the closest anyone got was a prediction of around 13 points. So this "high-scoring" season continues apace – remember that pre-season rallying call of 200-plus points for the winner? Not unless someone pulls more than a rabbit out of the hat!
Pete
The one consolation (yes, a kinda scraping-the-barrel consolation) is that the lowly scoreline has brought a few maximums for our beleaguered managers . . . but not for the league leaders. Mind you, Carl Hankin’s three points has now opened up a massive gap of four on second placed Andrew Hodgson, who have 65 and 61, respectively. Adrian Pape is still there on 59 in third place with Stephen Nicholson holding station in fourth on 55. Lance England and Steve Austin locked together on 52.
The Duke’s eight points has got this good old southern boy up to 51 points in seventh spot, with Susan Weston’s max score taking her to 50 in joint 11th. My second team (never could pick ‘em) is just showing some form lately and is handily placed on 47 points. Our reigning champion Martyn Cripps isn’t giving up his crown easily and now has 44 points back in 29th place, just ahead of James Cagney on 42.
Other eight-pointers are: Paul Robinson in 52nd on 40 points; Iain Cardwell with 38 in 60th spot; Jamie Molnar on 36 in 70th position and Mick Spencer on 28 in 114th place.
There’s an ever colder breeze blowing through the nether reaches of the Come On Darlo Prediction League as Dave Brown and John Berry cling to nine points (it must be double figure phobia preventing them from going higher). Margaret White and Alan Mooney have done themselves no favours by their lack of points scoring, with a clutch of managers just above them on 14.
MATCH 19:
And the downpour of goals in the against column continues with another four conceded against high-flying Notts County . . . three of which came in the first 17 minutes. The 4-0 defeat seems to have condemned The Quakers to the Blue Square Premier League in most fans’ minds.
Five managers did however have the slight consolation of predicting the correct score – Stephen Nicholson benefited most by moving into fourth spot on 55 points, now only seven behind the leader. Carl Hankin retains top spot on 62 from Andrew Hodgson on 61 and Adrian Pape continues to confound some close relatives with his third place on 56.
Jonny Simpson’s eight-pointer has moved him to joint 27th on 43, well within striking distance of the top places. Paul Johnson’s first XI is only one point behind on 42. Russell Jones returns to winning ways with his prediction and just about earns respectability on 34 points in joint 67th place. Mick Moriarty completes the line-up for correct predictions, moving well away from the relegation places, with 28 points in 104th.
Dave Brown has finally hit the jackpot . . . well, three points anyway . . . and joins John Berry’s second XI on nine in Wooden Spoon Hell. Two of our long-serving managers, Alan Mooney and Margaret White are in danger of receiving the backing of their respective club’s boards – on 13 and 12 points, respectively. Followed, usually, by “leaving by mutual consent” - can they turn this season around? Hovering just above on 14 points are Raymond Percival, Richard Collin, Lee Dyas, Lemsip Opic and Nick Walters.
Also this week sees the addition of more points due to a cut-off point in the season – Darlington’s points total by November 25.
But, hold on a minute, I think my spreadsheet is faulty – it’s not registering any points at all for ANY managers in this section, not even for being within two of the correct number.
Hmmm . . . check the formula . . . no, that looks fine . . . check I’ve put the correct number of points in . . . that’s fine too!!!
Hold on a minute . . . eight points by November 25? Who on earth would’ve predicted that? Exactly! No-one did and the closest anyone got was a prediction of around 13 points. So this "high-scoring" season continues apace – remember that pre-season rallying call of 200-plus points for the winner? Not unless someone pulls more than a rabbit out of the hat!
Pete
Thursday 26 November 2009
Prediction League Matches 17 and 18
Another deluge, another big loss . . . and I’m thinking it’s time to dust off those Conference maps again, as nothing short of a miracle can save The Quakers from relegation now.
Going into half-time at 0-0, a series of defensive mistakes saw Morecambe score four second half goals to complete a miserable night for the home side.
And it’s just as miserable in the Come On Darlo Prediction League scoring charts . . . with no maximum scores again for the second game running. So it’s down to the three-pointers, and even they were scarce as rockin’ horse poop. Carl Hankin became our latest leader in the league . . . I hesitate to say “runaway leader” as he’s only one point clear at the top on 59, with Andrew Hodgson close by on 58.
Adrian Pape continues to make good progress and show his class, underlying why he was asked to “leave” one of the mini-leagues “by mutual consent” . . . competition too much Mark? (better luck with the snooker). Adrian now has 53 points, with Robert Mitchum fourth on 51.
Those other managers with three points (how desperate is this!): Andy Fairweather-Low, Boss Prawn, Brian Main, David Alderson, Deborah Dinsdale, Elaine Battison, James Cagney, Jonny Simpson, Kevin Kidger, Lisa Fletcher, Peter Armstrong, Peter White, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Toby Corum and Victoria Richardson
No change at the South Pole, as the Three (minus?) Degrees hold their notes (and points) - Dave Brown still on six, Margaret White and John Berry on nine . . . I’m thinking a gap of three points here might be insurmountable Dave! Let’s face it, the leaders might not reach 100 at this rate.
So, easy game next for Darlo – away to free-scoring Notts County! Anyone want to re-negotiate their prediction (for a small fee)?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Oh what a deluge!
I meant the rain . . . not the number of goals conceded! On what turned out to be a hugely damp day at Chesterfield - and that’s being kind - Darlo conceded five against one of the league’s top teams and the gap in quality was there for all to see. Mind you, with only a couple of minutes to go at 3-2 The Quakers were within shout of a point, but pushing forward they were caught on the break twice in the dying seconds.
For all our managers, it was a veritable desert in terms of correct result predictions . . . not even the optimistic Lance got this one correct. But there was a deluge of three points for those predicting a home win – all 115 of you!!! So, not much in the way of movement at both ends of the table – Andrew Hodgson has consolidated top spot with 58 points, as has Carl Hankin in second place on 56. There is a slight gap opening up now to third place where Robert Mitchum is wide awake on 51 points. Adrian Pape is just coming into the leadership challenge now on 50 points.
Dave Brown is “leading” the way in the relegation to the Blue Square Premier stakes, still on a measly six points. John Berry and Margaret White are in no position to smirk, being only three points ahead on nine points.
A win at home to Morecambe on Tuesday is now a must if Darlo are to have any hope of avoiding their own drop.
Pete
Going into half-time at 0-0, a series of defensive mistakes saw Morecambe score four second half goals to complete a miserable night for the home side.
And it’s just as miserable in the Come On Darlo Prediction League scoring charts . . . with no maximum scores again for the second game running. So it’s down to the three-pointers, and even they were scarce as rockin’ horse poop. Carl Hankin became our latest leader in the league . . . I hesitate to say “runaway leader” as he’s only one point clear at the top on 59, with Andrew Hodgson close by on 58.
Adrian Pape continues to make good progress and show his class, underlying why he was asked to “leave” one of the mini-leagues “by mutual consent” . . . competition too much Mark? (better luck with the snooker). Adrian now has 53 points, with Robert Mitchum fourth on 51.
Those other managers with three points (how desperate is this!): Andy Fairweather-Low, Boss Prawn, Brian Main, David Alderson, Deborah Dinsdale, Elaine Battison, James Cagney, Jonny Simpson, Kevin Kidger, Lisa Fletcher, Peter Armstrong, Peter White, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Toby Corum and Victoria Richardson
No change at the South Pole, as the Three (minus?) Degrees hold their notes (and points) - Dave Brown still on six, Margaret White and John Berry on nine . . . I’m thinking a gap of three points here might be insurmountable Dave! Let’s face it, the leaders might not reach 100 at this rate.
So, easy game next for Darlo – away to free-scoring Notts County! Anyone want to re-negotiate their prediction (for a small fee)?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Oh what a deluge!
I meant the rain . . . not the number of goals conceded! On what turned out to be a hugely damp day at Chesterfield - and that’s being kind - Darlo conceded five against one of the league’s top teams and the gap in quality was there for all to see. Mind you, with only a couple of minutes to go at 3-2 The Quakers were within shout of a point, but pushing forward they were caught on the break twice in the dying seconds.
For all our managers, it was a veritable desert in terms of correct result predictions . . . not even the optimistic Lance got this one correct. But there was a deluge of three points for those predicting a home win – all 115 of you!!! So, not much in the way of movement at both ends of the table – Andrew Hodgson has consolidated top spot with 58 points, as has Carl Hankin in second place on 56. There is a slight gap opening up now to third place where Robert Mitchum is wide awake on 51 points. Adrian Pape is just coming into the leadership challenge now on 50 points.
Dave Brown is “leading” the way in the relegation to the Blue Square Premier stakes, still on a measly six points. John Berry and Margaret White are in no position to smirk, being only three points ahead on nine points.
A win at home to Morecambe on Tuesday is now a must if Darlo are to have any hope of avoiding their own drop.
Pete
Sunday 22 November 2009
Trust backs Feethams 'legacy'
Darlington Supporters' Trust has backed a legacy for the old Feethams ground, to serve all sports in the town.
The Trust said it wanted to strongly support a public campaign to demand that any funds from the sale of Feethams are returned to the people of Darlington for wide-ranging sporting use.
"Although Darlington Football Club has moved, supporters still feel an emotional attachment to Feethams and given the long history tied up in it, we believe this would be a great opportunity for a legacy which could involve football and others sports," said Trust chairman Tony Taylor.
"The idea of a cricket academy appears to us to be rather elitist and also unnecessary, particularly since the county has a major cricketing academy just a few miles up the road.
"Furthermore, given the shortage of public funding for facilities around the country as the emphasis appears to be geared towards the 2012 Olympics, this is a time when the sale of Feethams could bring about some real positive improvements for sports funding in the town."
"We would like to see either the development of Feethams as a sporting venue in line with the original deeds or a guarantee that the revenue from the sale ensures that all sports are provided for in the town."
Mr Taylor added: "This could also involve football. We are saddened that youngsters in Darlington have to go to Middlesbrough or elsewhere to compete in school competitions; we are also acutely aware of the inadequate facilities that exist for disabled sports in Darlington."
"We believe the decision on Feethams' future should be opened up into a wider debate in the town and not be taken behind closed doors. Given that the land was bestowed as a gift, this legacy should be honoured in the spirit in which it was originally offered."
Monday 16 November 2009
Lidds thanks for sponorship
The Trust has received this letter. It follows our sponsorship of kits for both the under 18s and under 16s squads. We would like to thank those supporters who help fund our support of youth development through the trust lottery scheme.
On behalf of Darlington Football Club can I thank the Trust for your sponsorship of the Under 18 and Under 16 squads. Your support is vital for the continued development of our younger players.
Their development is key for the future of the Club and I am sure you are aware of the progression of Curtis Main, Corey Barnes, Dan Riley and Josh Gray in the last year.
Once again thanks for your support it is very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Craig Liddle
Head of Youth
Darlington Football Club
On behalf of Darlington Football Club can I thank the Trust for your sponsorship of the Under 18 and Under 16 squads. Your support is vital for the continued development of our younger players.
Their development is key for the future of the Club and I am sure you are aware of the progression of Curtis Main, Corey Barnes, Dan Riley and Josh Gray in the last year.
Once again thanks for your support it is very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Craig Liddle
Head of Youth
Darlington Football Club
Report from Trust conference
Supporters Trusts recently held their annual get-together in Birmingham.
It's a chance to network, meet fans from other clubs and learn about developments in the football world. In the decade since trusts were first formed, the Supporters Direct conference has year on year attracted speakers from senior roles in governing the game.
This year's event, attended by Trust chairman Tony Taylor, came against the background of the failure of governing trusts at Notts County and Stockport County, as well as continued controversy about the credentials of some new owners of clubs.
Foreign ownership and the question of the viability of supporter-owned clubs was a theme.
What seemed clear from the views and experiences heard was that there is no easy "one size fits all" answer, especially given the success of the likes of Exeter City and Wimbledon trusts.
The conference heard from the Brentford trust Bees United, which had continued to have a say in the running of the club, even though it had "lost" control.
Another lesson from the workshops part of the day was the importance of developing strong relationships with local councils and also how trusts can help clubs build better relationships with their communities.
Meanwhile a speech from a leading Barcelona official emphasised that whatever the size of the club, it was important those in charge "did the right" thing with how it worked with the wider community - and in their terms, as a global brand.
What is clear is whether a Trust is able to play a formal role within its club or not, it can still position itself where it can encourage links with fans, the club and the wider community.
Tony Taylor was also re-elected to serve as vice chairman at Supporters Direct and it's good for Darlington fans that we have someone still at the heart of this UK-wide fans organisation.
It's a chance to network, meet fans from other clubs and learn about developments in the football world. In the decade since trusts were first formed, the Supporters Direct conference has year on year attracted speakers from senior roles in governing the game.
This year's event, attended by Trust chairman Tony Taylor, came against the background of the failure of governing trusts at Notts County and Stockport County, as well as continued controversy about the credentials of some new owners of clubs.
Foreign ownership and the question of the viability of supporter-owned clubs was a theme.
What seemed clear from the views and experiences heard was that there is no easy "one size fits all" answer, especially given the success of the likes of Exeter City and Wimbledon trusts.
The conference heard from the Brentford trust Bees United, which had continued to have a say in the running of the club, even though it had "lost" control.
Another lesson from the workshops part of the day was the importance of developing strong relationships with local councils and also how trusts can help clubs build better relationships with their communities.
Meanwhile a speech from a leading Barcelona official emphasised that whatever the size of the club, it was important those in charge "did the right" thing with how it worked with the wider community - and in their terms, as a global brand.
What is clear is whether a Trust is able to play a formal role within its club or not, it can still position itself where it can encourage links with fans, the club and the wider community.
Tony Taylor was also re-elected to serve as vice chairman at Supporters Direct and it's good for Darlington fans that we have someone still at the heart of this UK-wide fans organisation.
Prediction League Match 16
What is that in the dark sky, so far away that it’s barely discernible to the naked eye? Could it be a chink of light in Darlington’s pitch-black season to this point?
A second consecutive home win, over Burton Albion by 1-0, may just have given The uakers some hope of rescuing this season and retaining their league position.
Andrew Hodgson has already seen the light with his latest eight-pointer and moves clear at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction with 55 points. Carl Hankin becomes the latest challenger for first place and is only two points back on 53. These two are now the only managers with over 50 points.
Of course, with Darlo winning there have been more correct scores (and 8 points) amongst our managers – Of particular interest is the Steve Calvert hat-trick for his three teams . . . did the second XI copy from the first? Or did the third XI get wind of the other two teams? Or perhaps they just met in committee! Another hat-trick was for the Neils . . . Neil Danby benefited most by moving to joint 25th on 38 points, Neil Jordison in joint 35th with 35 points and then Neil Raper in joint 40th on 34 points.
The girls got their fair share of max scores too – Abigail Robinson is showing that this prediction malarky is, indeed, “Child’s Play” and is handily placed on 39 points in joint 20th; Hannah Taylor ain’t doing badly either with 32 points in joint 54th; Jean Pepper just scrapes on to the first page of the league table with 27 points, whilst Lisa Fletcher improves her tally to 23 but well back in joint 106th spot.
Other top scorers: Adrian Pape, Alf Hutchinson, Dan Taylor, Darren Darvill, David Alderson, David Taylor, Jonny Simpson, Lance Broken, Malcolm Brett, Martyn Cripps, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Peter Ashmore, Richard Collin, Steve Duffy, The Duke, Toby Corum and Tony Taylor
And the Dead Man’s Chest end of the league table now has only one manager in Davy Jones’ Locker – aptly-named Dave Brown – who now occupies the Wooden Spoon Spot on a measly six points – but with a host of managers within striking distance. If only Dave could strike a couple of correct results!
Chesterfield here we come!
Pete
A second consecutive home win, over Burton Albion by 1-0, may just have given The uakers some hope of rescuing this season and retaining their league position.
Andrew Hodgson has already seen the light with his latest eight-pointer and moves clear at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction with 55 points. Carl Hankin becomes the latest challenger for first place and is only two points back on 53. These two are now the only managers with over 50 points.
Of course, with Darlo winning there have been more correct scores (and 8 points) amongst our managers – Of particular interest is the Steve Calvert hat-trick for his three teams . . . did the second XI copy from the first? Or did the third XI get wind of the other two teams? Or perhaps they just met in committee! Another hat-trick was for the Neils . . . Neil Danby benefited most by moving to joint 25th on 38 points, Neil Jordison in joint 35th with 35 points and then Neil Raper in joint 40th on 34 points.
The girls got their fair share of max scores too – Abigail Robinson is showing that this prediction malarky is, indeed, “Child’s Play” and is handily placed on 39 points in joint 20th; Hannah Taylor ain’t doing badly either with 32 points in joint 54th; Jean Pepper just scrapes on to the first page of the league table with 27 points, whilst Lisa Fletcher improves her tally to 23 but well back in joint 106th spot.
Other top scorers: Adrian Pape, Alf Hutchinson, Dan Taylor, Darren Darvill, David Alderson, David Taylor, Jonny Simpson, Lance Broken, Malcolm Brett, Martyn Cripps, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Peter Ashmore, Richard Collin, Steve Duffy, The Duke, Toby Corum and Tony Taylor
And the Dead Man’s Chest end of the league table now has only one manager in Davy Jones’ Locker – aptly-named Dave Brown – who now occupies the Wooden Spoon Spot on a measly six points – but with a host of managers within striking distance. If only Dave could strike a couple of correct results!
Chesterfield here we come!
Pete
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Prediction League - Cup weekend
No league game this weekend, but the losses still keep mounting for Darlo – this time a first round exit from the FA Cup, as Barnet put three past The Quakers for the second time in two weeks.
That means all cup runs (and "run" should really imply more than one game per cup) have now come to an end and we can add those extra points managers have gained. Four cup games in total – knocked out of the League Cup by Leeds, 1-0; then beating (yes, beating!) Lincoln in the Football League Trophy 1-0; losing out to Leeds again in the second round of the trophy, 1-0; and, finally, yesterday’s loss against Barnet.
So the five-pointers in the manager stakes are: Adrian Pape, Andrew Ashmore, Barbara Woodshed, Beth Taylor, Buzz Lightyear, Carl Hankin, David Alderson, Iain Cardwell, John Shuttleworth, Lance A lot, Lance England, Lemsip Opic, Malcolm Brett, Malcolm Cundick (x2), Martyn Cripps, Matthew Ashmore, Mike Cleasby, Paul Hodgson, Paul White, Peter Ashmore, Peter White, Simon Cowing, Steve Calvert (x3), Steve Duffy, Steve Mann, Terry Simpson and Tim Hewitson.
Robert Mitchum becomes the latest leader of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on 48 points, followed closely by Andrew Hodgson on 47, Lance England on 46, Carl Hankin on 45, Stephen Nicholson on 44 and Steve Austin on 43.
The chasing pack is led by John Berry and Paul Jonson on 41, with James Longstreet and Tracey Pickersgill within one score of top spot on 40 points.
Only three managers challenging for Wooden Spoon glory, still on six points – Dave Brown, John Berry and Richard Collin – which means John Berry is challenging for “honours” at both ends of the table. Steve Calvert was obviously convinced about Darlo’s lack of progress in the cup competitions as all three of his teams scored maximum points; and Malcolm Cundick had two teams with the maximum score, too.
So, concentrate on the league from now on? Let’s hope so.
Pete
That means all cup runs (and "run" should really imply more than one game per cup) have now come to an end and we can add those extra points managers have gained. Four cup games in total – knocked out of the League Cup by Leeds, 1-0; then beating (yes, beating!) Lincoln in the Football League Trophy 1-0; losing out to Leeds again in the second round of the trophy, 1-0; and, finally, yesterday’s loss against Barnet.
So the five-pointers in the manager stakes are: Adrian Pape, Andrew Ashmore, Barbara Woodshed, Beth Taylor, Buzz Lightyear, Carl Hankin, David Alderson, Iain Cardwell, John Shuttleworth, Lance A lot, Lance England, Lemsip Opic, Malcolm Brett, Malcolm Cundick (x2), Martyn Cripps, Matthew Ashmore, Mike Cleasby, Paul Hodgson, Paul White, Peter Ashmore, Peter White, Simon Cowing, Steve Calvert (x3), Steve Duffy, Steve Mann, Terry Simpson and Tim Hewitson.
Robert Mitchum becomes the latest leader of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on 48 points, followed closely by Andrew Hodgson on 47, Lance England on 46, Carl Hankin on 45, Stephen Nicholson on 44 and Steve Austin on 43.
The chasing pack is led by John Berry and Paul Jonson on 41, with James Longstreet and Tracey Pickersgill within one score of top spot on 40 points.
Only three managers challenging for Wooden Spoon glory, still on six points – Dave Brown, John Berry and Richard Collin – which means John Berry is challenging for “honours” at both ends of the table. Steve Calvert was obviously convinced about Darlo’s lack of progress in the cup competitions as all three of his teams scored maximum points; and Malcolm Cundick had two teams with the maximum score, too.
So, concentrate on the league from now on? Let’s hope so.
Pete
Friday 6 November 2009
Protecting the Rights of Fans
As you will know, the Darlington Supporters Trust is an active supporter and corporate member of the Football Supporters Federation (Trust Chair, Tony Taylor, is a co-opted member of the FSF National Council).
The FSF is actively campaigning to protect the legal rights of football fans who, over many years, have had been treated as second class citizens. The Trust supports the FSF in condemning violence and crime, but backs the FSF campaign to ensure that fans get a fair say. The latest campaign relates to activity at Newcastle Central Station in which there was a clash between the police and fans. The FSF has put forward significant evidence to the authorities regarding this but has been disappointed to learn that Sunderland AFC have banned supporters who have not been convicted or tried for any offence.
You can sign the FSF petition about this by going to the following link:
http://www.fsf.org.uk/petitions/sunderland-ban-quinn-petition.php
The FSF has also got a plug on the Guardian's brilliant Football Weekly podcast (although they got their name wrong) Doh! Not sure how many minutes in as we've not listened to it in its entirety as yet - the link for this is:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/audio/2009/nov/05/football-weekly-podcast-champions-league
The FSF is actively campaigning to protect the legal rights of football fans who, over many years, have had been treated as second class citizens. The Trust supports the FSF in condemning violence and crime, but backs the FSF campaign to ensure that fans get a fair say. The latest campaign relates to activity at Newcastle Central Station in which there was a clash between the police and fans. The FSF has put forward significant evidence to the authorities regarding this but has been disappointed to learn that Sunderland AFC have banned supporters who have not been convicted or tried for any offence.
You can sign the FSF petition about this by going to the following link:
http://www.fsf.org.uk/petitions/sunderland-ban-quinn-petition.php
The FSF has also got a plug on the Guardian's brilliant Football Weekly podcast (although they got their name wrong) Doh! Not sure how many minutes in as we've not listened to it in its entirety as yet - the link for this is:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/audio/2009/nov/05/football-weekly-podcast-champions-league
Sunday 1 November 2009
Prediction League Match 15
There’s a cold wind blowing across the North East at the moment (and it’s lashing down!), and more so through the corridors of the Northern Echo Arena, as Darlo fell to another away defeat. It’s going to be a long, bleak winter.
But where does this defeat leave our managers? It’s proving just as tough to put any kind of run together and the top boys and girls are just scraping their way to the 50-point mark.
Andrew Hodgson is the latest to show his head above the parapet with his correct prediction and now sits on 47, followed closely by Robert Mitchum on 46. Stephen Nicholson is nipping at their heels on 44, with Lance England and Steve Austin close by on 41. Carl Hankin is the last of the 40s brigade in sixth place.
Those managers with eight points this weekend are: John Berry, whose third XI now has 39 points – along with Richard Tilly. James Longstreet and Tracey Pickersgill are just one point behind in joint 12th on 38. Chris Mackenzie is well in touch on 33,as is Andy Fairweather-Low and Martin Cass on 30.
David Munns in on 28, Garry Mann and Lorraine Arscott are on 25 along with Tim Hewitson, Will Ellis has 24, Martyn Cripps second XI has 23, Martin Simpson sits on 20, while Edward Cundick, Jamie Molnar and John Young have 17. Bringing up the rear of our top scorers is Dave Woods on 14 points.
A couple of scores in among the dead-set set now sees a whole group of managers on a measly six points – Dave Brown, John Berry, Lee Dyas, Lemsip Opic, Malcolm Cundick, Richard Collin and Steve McGarvie – I’m putting in an advance order with Wilkinsons for an extra box of wooden spoons! Could need them!
Onwards and upwards – as least in the number of points, please!
Pete
But where does this defeat leave our managers? It’s proving just as tough to put any kind of run together and the top boys and girls are just scraping their way to the 50-point mark.
Andrew Hodgson is the latest to show his head above the parapet with his correct prediction and now sits on 47, followed closely by Robert Mitchum on 46. Stephen Nicholson is nipping at their heels on 44, with Lance England and Steve Austin close by on 41. Carl Hankin is the last of the 40s brigade in sixth place.
Those managers with eight points this weekend are: John Berry, whose third XI now has 39 points – along with Richard Tilly. James Longstreet and Tracey Pickersgill are just one point behind in joint 12th on 38. Chris Mackenzie is well in touch on 33,as is Andy Fairweather-Low and Martin Cass on 30.
David Munns in on 28, Garry Mann and Lorraine Arscott are on 25 along with Tim Hewitson, Will Ellis has 24, Martyn Cripps second XI has 23, Martin Simpson sits on 20, while Edward Cundick, Jamie Molnar and John Young have 17. Bringing up the rear of our top scorers is Dave Woods on 14 points.
A couple of scores in among the dead-set set now sees a whole group of managers on a measly six points – Dave Brown, John Berry, Lee Dyas, Lemsip Opic, Malcolm Cundick, Richard Collin and Steve McGarvie – I’m putting in an advance order with Wilkinsons for an extra box of wooden spoons! Could need them!
Onwards and upwards – as least in the number of points, please!
Pete
Monday 26 October 2009
Prediction League Match 14
Is it me or is it getting just a bit chilly now? Certainly feels like that for Darlo, still routed at the bottom of the table after today’s comprehensive 3-0 defeat, despite a goal-less first half.
And after all that new hope from last week’s first win of the season!
A cold, chill wind blew across the Come On Darlo Prediction League as well, with only four managers picking out that scoreline. Mind, they’re all happy as the proverbial pig in doo-doo as it’s seen them all creep into that top half of the table . . . in fact, they’re all within five points of each other. Gary Parle is top dog of this select group on 25 points in joint 44th, Dan Colton on 23 in joint 57th, Toby Corum’s second XI on 22 in joint 69th and Andy Ashmore on 20 in joint 84th place.
As you can imagine from this windswept landscape, the top lads remain in last week’s places, all on 41 points. Still on 39 points in joint fourth are Andrew Hodgson, Brian Main and Paul Johnson’s second XI . . . Robert Mitchum up there on his own in seventh with 38 and Carl Hankin on 37. Emma Davis, Ian Bonsall and Ryan Longmate on 36 make up the top 11 of the league.
Dave Brown and John Berry now find themselves vying for the Wooden Spoon Basement Spot on three points, which isn’t much behind Darlo’s actual total when you think about it.
Is it time to start dusting off those old Conference road maps? Probably not, there’s a load of ex-league teams down there now. Let’s hope we don’t need them.
Pete
And after all that new hope from last week’s first win of the season!
A cold, chill wind blew across the Come On Darlo Prediction League as well, with only four managers picking out that scoreline. Mind, they’re all happy as the proverbial pig in doo-doo as it’s seen them all creep into that top half of the table . . . in fact, they’re all within five points of each other. Gary Parle is top dog of this select group on 25 points in joint 44th, Dan Colton on 23 in joint 57th, Toby Corum’s second XI on 22 in joint 69th and Andy Ashmore on 20 in joint 84th place.
As you can imagine from this windswept landscape, the top lads remain in last week’s places, all on 41 points. Still on 39 points in joint fourth are Andrew Hodgson, Brian Main and Paul Johnson’s second XI . . . Robert Mitchum up there on his own in seventh with 38 and Carl Hankin on 37. Emma Davis, Ian Bonsall and Ryan Longmate on 36 make up the top 11 of the league.
Dave Brown and John Berry now find themselves vying for the Wooden Spoon Basement Spot on three points, which isn’t much behind Darlo’s actual total when you think about it.
Is it time to start dusting off those old Conference road maps? Probably not, there’s a load of ex-league teams down there now. Let’s hope we don’t need them.
Pete
Friday 23 October 2009
Prediction League Match 13
Woohoo! Game 13 – unlucky for The Shrews – and it’s Darlo’s first win in the league.
But it looked anything like after only two minutes, when a lethargic defence allowed a header to go over the keeper’s head into the net. But the lads eventually clawed their way back into the game and a wonderful free kick from Devitt made the game all-square. Second half saw both teams go for the win, but it was Darlo who always had the edge, and so it proved when Thomas stabbed home the winner on the hour.
“Titanium Man” Steve Austin (cousin of “Stone Cold” and “The Ten Million Dollar Man”) returns to the top of the league after scoring eight points, joining Stephen Nicholson and Lance England on 41 points. And right now it’s so tight at the top as 17 teams are within ten points of top spot. Andrew Hodgson, Brian Main and Paul Johnson are grouped together two points back on 39.
A trio of max-scoring managers – Emma Davis, Ryan Longmate and Steve Gawthrop – are now handily placed on 33 points and within only one score of the leaders. Lyn Williams is only three back on 30, with John Berry’s third XI and Richard Tilly only two points behind this on 28.
Gary Woods and Terry McCann (how’s Arthur? - see team name!) have 23 points. Iain Cardwell, Lynne Pape and Mark Hathaway’s eight-pointers are just keeping them in touch with the top.
The remaining max-scorers are: David Sheppey, Richard Collin, Garry Mann and Raymond Percival.
Only four managers remain in the relegation zone of three points – Dave Brown, John Berry, Lee Dyas and Lemsip Opic – but plenty of time for them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps - just like Darlo?
Pete
But it looked anything like after only two minutes, when a lethargic defence allowed a header to go over the keeper’s head into the net. But the lads eventually clawed their way back into the game and a wonderful free kick from Devitt made the game all-square. Second half saw both teams go for the win, but it was Darlo who always had the edge, and so it proved when Thomas stabbed home the winner on the hour.
“Titanium Man” Steve Austin (cousin of “Stone Cold” and “The Ten Million Dollar Man”) returns to the top of the league after scoring eight points, joining Stephen Nicholson and Lance England on 41 points. And right now it’s so tight at the top as 17 teams are within ten points of top spot. Andrew Hodgson, Brian Main and Paul Johnson are grouped together two points back on 39.
A trio of max-scoring managers – Emma Davis, Ryan Longmate and Steve Gawthrop – are now handily placed on 33 points and within only one score of the leaders. Lyn Williams is only three back on 30, with John Berry’s third XI and Richard Tilly only two points behind this on 28.
Gary Woods and Terry McCann (how’s Arthur? - see team name!) have 23 points. Iain Cardwell, Lynne Pape and Mark Hathaway’s eight-pointers are just keeping them in touch with the top.
The remaining max-scorers are: David Sheppey, Richard Collin, Garry Mann and Raymond Percival.
Only four managers remain in the relegation zone of three points – Dave Brown, John Berry, Lee Dyas and Lemsip Opic – but plenty of time for them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps - just like Darlo?
Pete
Sunday 11 October 2009
Prediction League Match 12
As the disastrous start to the season shows no sign of abating, a whole new generation of football fans are growing up believing there is a team in the football league called "Darlington Nil".
Another blank scoresheet for The Quakers away at promotion-contenders Dagenham further confirms that the team are going to find goals hard to come by, never mind actual points. Perhaps the appointment of Steve Staunton as manager, with his assistant Kevin Richardson, will prove to be a turning point (please!).
A few more managers are getting the hang of this prediction malarky with quite a few eight-pointers. Two who will be most happy with theirs are Lance England and Stephen Nicholson, being the first to break the 40-point barrier (you can tell I’m getting desperate here by celebrating the 40-point barrier!). Both are on 41 points.
Brian Main is making them work hard for top spot and is in equal third place on 39, joining Paul Johnson’s second XI. Ian Bonsall is right in there on 33 points in joint eighth place.
Paul White and Peter Morris have moved on up together to joint 26th with 25 points, along with Mike Wells. David Munns has climbed some way out of the depths of the table to joint 107th spot with 14 points.
Other top scorers are: Adrian Pape, Andrew Hodgson, Andy Fairweather-Low, Damian Dickson, Dan Duryea, Gillian Percival, James Longstreet, John Scott, Lance Scotland, Richard Sole, Stephen Lander, The Duke and Toby Corum.
And it’s taken until the twelfth game of the season before all managers have scored points, which means a little group of eight now on three points – who will manage to break out of that little clique in the next few games?
Another of our mini-league’s is starting to take shape, well I call it a mini-league but there is a total of 25 managers vying for the title of Hayssen Sandiacre Mini-League Champion of the Come On Darlo Prediction League - they were going to get a trophy, but the engraving would have cost something like three squillion pounds!
Anyway, Anthony Leigh has got his grubby mitts on this potential trophy at the present time, leading the way with 34 points, just ahead of Ian Bonsall and Sue Oldham on 33. Kevin Kidger is within touching distance with his 28 points and Neil Danby is well in contention with 25. Malcolm Brett and Andy Fairweather-Low (didn’t realise singing was in the Job Spec) are close by on 22. Just a little further back is the trio of Gary Cooke (a winner of sorts last season), Mick Moriarty and Richard Tilly with 20, just edging Trevor Gretton and Ken Worthington with their 19s.
In the Scraping the Barrel section of this mini-league are Will Ellis with 16, Mark Lear on 15, Josh Slack and Les Clarke on 14, Elaine Battison and Mark O’Neil on 12, Jamie Molnar and Mick Spencer with 9, Stephen Curtis on 6. Tail End Charlies this week are Dave Brown and Lee Dyas with their hugely unimpressive 3 points.
And so back to Darlington FC, whichever team loses to them first this season are going to feel really down in the dumps - let’s hope it’s this Saturday against Shrewsbury.
Onwards and upwards!
Pete
Another blank scoresheet for The Quakers away at promotion-contenders Dagenham further confirms that the team are going to find goals hard to come by, never mind actual points. Perhaps the appointment of Steve Staunton as manager, with his assistant Kevin Richardson, will prove to be a turning point (please!).
A few more managers are getting the hang of this prediction malarky with quite a few eight-pointers. Two who will be most happy with theirs are Lance England and Stephen Nicholson, being the first to break the 40-point barrier (you can tell I’m getting desperate here by celebrating the 40-point barrier!). Both are on 41 points.
Brian Main is making them work hard for top spot and is in equal third place on 39, joining Paul Johnson’s second XI. Ian Bonsall is right in there on 33 points in joint eighth place.
Paul White and Peter Morris have moved on up together to joint 26th with 25 points, along with Mike Wells. David Munns has climbed some way out of the depths of the table to joint 107th spot with 14 points.
Other top scorers are: Adrian Pape, Andrew Hodgson, Andy Fairweather-Low, Damian Dickson, Dan Duryea, Gillian Percival, James Longstreet, John Scott, Lance Scotland, Richard Sole, Stephen Lander, The Duke and Toby Corum.
And it’s taken until the twelfth game of the season before all managers have scored points, which means a little group of eight now on three points – who will manage to break out of that little clique in the next few games?
Another of our mini-league’s is starting to take shape, well I call it a mini-league but there is a total of 25 managers vying for the title of Hayssen Sandiacre Mini-League Champion of the Come On Darlo Prediction League - they were going to get a trophy, but the engraving would have cost something like three squillion pounds!
Anyway, Anthony Leigh has got his grubby mitts on this potential trophy at the present time, leading the way with 34 points, just ahead of Ian Bonsall and Sue Oldham on 33. Kevin Kidger is within touching distance with his 28 points and Neil Danby is well in contention with 25. Malcolm Brett and Andy Fairweather-Low (didn’t realise singing was in the Job Spec) are close by on 22. Just a little further back is the trio of Gary Cooke (a winner of sorts last season), Mick Moriarty and Richard Tilly with 20, just edging Trevor Gretton and Ken Worthington with their 19s.
In the Scraping the Barrel section of this mini-league are Will Ellis with 16, Mark Lear on 15, Josh Slack and Les Clarke on 14, Elaine Battison and Mark O’Neil on 12, Jamie Molnar and Mick Spencer with 9, Stephen Curtis on 6. Tail End Charlies this week are Dave Brown and Lee Dyas with their hugely unimpressive 3 points.
And so back to Darlington FC, whichever team loses to them first this season are going to feel really down in the dumps - let’s hope it’s this Saturday against Shrewsbury.
Onwards and upwards!
Pete
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Prediction League Match 11
Ouch! This really hurts.
It’s at this point where I need to put out an urgent appeal – new expletives required for beginning of Come On Darlo emails. I’ve run out of them and all donations readily accepted, however all new expletives must not be rude (or is that an oxymoron . . . or can you have an oxymoron with only one word? . . . anyway, let’s not go there)
The lack of goals coupled with giving the opposition a head start in each game is now hurting The Quakers a great deal . . . an own goal being the team’s undoing, where they only began to play with some passion in the second half. This lack of goals (and points) is really hurting the Come on Darlo Prediction League whereby no-one had predicted quite the depths to which the club has sunk on the playing side . . . we all thought it might be tough, but not this tough. There’s 15 managers within one score of top spot . . . only five managers in total correctly predicted the 1-0 scoreline and only another nine managers predicted an away win.
The eight points have propelled the lucky five managers up the table . . . points being very tight as they are . . . Robert Mitchum has jumped to second place on 35 points, one behind Paul Johnson. Robert’s mate James Cagney is in 16th spot with 25 points and Sue Ashmore heads the Ashmore family (once again) in 31st place on 22 points. Lance Wales’ cry of "I Should Have More Points" (or is that pints?) has finally been answered and he is now on 19 in joint 55th. Deborah Dinsdale is the last of our max scorers on 14 in joint 89th place.
Other managers who predicted an away win (3 points) were: Boss Prawn, David Sheppey, Jayne Hathaway, Jeff Maughan, Lorraine Arscott, Malcolm Brett, Neil Danby, Sarah Bell, Toby Corum.
In the Lance Ireland Appreciation Society Mini League (Harborne branch), it’s the aforementioned Robert Mitchum leading the way in second place, but Lance England is only two points back on 33. Lance broken is next on 31 and Lance Alot on 30. Emma Davis is leading lady with 25 points in joint 18th place along with James Cagney, whilst Humphrey Bogart has 19 points, the same as another member of the Lance family (Wales) both on 19 points – joined there by Rhonda Fleming. Avril Dent is clinging on with 17 points. Richard Widmark has a healthy 15 points whilst Lorraine Arscott has a slightly less healthy 14 points; Dean Martin is feeling really blue with only 12 points. Toby Corum’s two teams wouldn’t combine to get him into top half at the moment, he’s on 12 and 6 points. Dan Duryea has a measly nine points, as has Dave Sheppey, Lisa Fletcher and Lance Scotland. This leaves only the man himself . . . oh dear, only six points and joint last in his own mini-league . . . I guess this is more ear-ache for me on the away trips!!! Come on Lance, you can do it!!!
Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic have now gone a quarter of the season without so much as a sniff of a point . . . 11 games without predicting one correct result, never mind a correct scoreline. Wonder if I’ll have to get several wooden spoons for the end of this season?
Onwards and . . . updwards?
Pete
www.darlotrustdsg.org.uk/predictionleague.pdf for the latest tables
It’s at this point where I need to put out an urgent appeal – new expletives required for beginning of Come On Darlo emails. I’ve run out of them and all donations readily accepted, however all new expletives must not be rude (or is that an oxymoron . . . or can you have an oxymoron with only one word? . . . anyway, let’s not go there)
The lack of goals coupled with giving the opposition a head start in each game is now hurting The Quakers a great deal . . . an own goal being the team’s undoing, where they only began to play with some passion in the second half. This lack of goals (and points) is really hurting the Come on Darlo Prediction League whereby no-one had predicted quite the depths to which the club has sunk on the playing side . . . we all thought it might be tough, but not this tough. There’s 15 managers within one score of top spot . . . only five managers in total correctly predicted the 1-0 scoreline and only another nine managers predicted an away win.
The eight points have propelled the lucky five managers up the table . . . points being very tight as they are . . . Robert Mitchum has jumped to second place on 35 points, one behind Paul Johnson. Robert’s mate James Cagney is in 16th spot with 25 points and Sue Ashmore heads the Ashmore family (once again) in 31st place on 22 points. Lance Wales’ cry of "I Should Have More Points" (or is that pints?) has finally been answered and he is now on 19 in joint 55th. Deborah Dinsdale is the last of our max scorers on 14 in joint 89th place.
Other managers who predicted an away win (3 points) were: Boss Prawn, David Sheppey, Jayne Hathaway, Jeff Maughan, Lorraine Arscott, Malcolm Brett, Neil Danby, Sarah Bell, Toby Corum.
In the Lance Ireland Appreciation Society Mini League (Harborne branch), it’s the aforementioned Robert Mitchum leading the way in second place, but Lance England is only two points back on 33. Lance broken is next on 31 and Lance Alot on 30. Emma Davis is leading lady with 25 points in joint 18th place along with James Cagney, whilst Humphrey Bogart has 19 points, the same as another member of the Lance family (Wales) both on 19 points – joined there by Rhonda Fleming. Avril Dent is clinging on with 17 points. Richard Widmark has a healthy 15 points whilst Lorraine Arscott has a slightly less healthy 14 points; Dean Martin is feeling really blue with only 12 points. Toby Corum’s two teams wouldn’t combine to get him into top half at the moment, he’s on 12 and 6 points. Dan Duryea has a measly nine points, as has Dave Sheppey, Lisa Fletcher and Lance Scotland. This leaves only the man himself . . . oh dear, only six points and joint last in his own mini-league . . . I guess this is more ear-ache for me on the away trips!!! Come on Lance, you can do it!!!
Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic have now gone a quarter of the season without so much as a sniff of a point . . . 11 games without predicting one correct result, never mind a correct scoreline. Wonder if I’ll have to get several wooden spoons for the end of this season?
Onwards and . . . updwards?
Pete
www.darlotrustdsg.org.uk/predictionleague.pdf for the latest tables
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Prediction League Match 10
The Quakers have lost their eighth game out of 10, just three days after losing their manager and are now in serious danger of losing their league status for the second time in their history as they remain rock bottom with only two points.
The new manager, whoever he may be, really does have his work cut out for him.
Paul Johnson reckons “The Drugs Don’t Work” but they seem to be doing him no harm at the top of the table. Paul’s got a three-point cushion with his 36 points, but Stephen Nicholson’s maximum score jumps him to joint second place on 33, where he joins Lance England and Steve Austin. Carl Hankin is now in contention with his eight points, moving into joint 5th spot on 31.
Lance Alot and Sue Oldham can’t complain on 30 points, well within shouting distance of top spot. Other top-scoring boys and girls are: Adrian Pape, Chris Vallis, Colin Wakefield, Jonny Simpson, Josh Slack, Kevin Kidger, Lewis Raper, Luke Hewitson, Mark Hathaway, Paul Hodgson, Richard Sole, Scott Dinsdale, Stephen James, Steve Calvert, Susan Weston, Terry Simpson, Trevor Gretton, Troy Lacend
The Exclusive Bottom Spot Club is still occupied by Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic, whose scoring record is worse than Darlington’s . . . but not by much!
More mini-league updates following the home match with Macclesfield – surely now a must-win game before the gap at the foot of the table becomes a chasm - it’s widening after each game.
Pete
The new manager, whoever he may be, really does have his work cut out for him.
Paul Johnson reckons “The Drugs Don’t Work” but they seem to be doing him no harm at the top of the table. Paul’s got a three-point cushion with his 36 points, but Stephen Nicholson’s maximum score jumps him to joint second place on 33, where he joins Lance England and Steve Austin. Carl Hankin is now in contention with his eight points, moving into joint 5th spot on 31.
Lance Alot and Sue Oldham can’t complain on 30 points, well within shouting distance of top spot. Other top-scoring boys and girls are: Adrian Pape, Chris Vallis, Colin Wakefield, Jonny Simpson, Josh Slack, Kevin Kidger, Lewis Raper, Luke Hewitson, Mark Hathaway, Paul Hodgson, Richard Sole, Scott Dinsdale, Stephen James, Steve Calvert, Susan Weston, Terry Simpson, Trevor Gretton, Troy Lacend
The Exclusive Bottom Spot Club is still occupied by Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic, whose scoring record is worse than Darlington’s . . . but not by much!
More mini-league updates following the home match with Macclesfield – surely now a must-win game before the gap at the foot of the table becomes a chasm - it’s widening after each game.
Pete
Monday 28 September 2009
Thanks for a rocking night!
The Trust was recently pleased to say thanks to members of local rock bands, who staged a fund-raising gig back in June in aid of the Supporters' Trust, when things looked far from certain.
Darlo Bands for Darlo Fans was a great success, raising £500 from the gig, raffle and auction of Darlington memorabilia.
Auctioned items included a 1960s framed Darlington shirt, signed by Quakers legends John Peverill and Ron Greener - won by Rory Todd.
The Trust would like to offer a big thanks to the bands who took part -The Steady Boys, Lifetime Skiver, Si Kelly, The Brocks and March of the Dogs as well as to The Forum, Rich, Phil, Jo, Billy, Mike and everyone else who helped or came along on the night.
Pictured with Trust secretary Peter Plant and vice chair Paul Hodgson are (left to right) Billy Cass (fundraiser) Martin Cass (Lifetime Skiver) Dave Chebs ( The Brocks) Mike Cass (gig organiser & Lifetime Skiver) Richie Tearle (fundraiser)
Darlo Bands for Darlo Fans was a great success, raising £500 from the gig, raffle and auction of Darlington memorabilia.
Auctioned items included a 1960s framed Darlington shirt, signed by Quakers legends John Peverill and Ron Greener - won by Rory Todd.
The Trust would like to offer a big thanks to the bands who took part -The Steady Boys, Lifetime Skiver, Si Kelly, The Brocks and March of the Dogs as well as to The Forum, Rich, Phil, Jo, Billy, Mike and everyone else who helped or came along on the night.
Pictured with Trust secretary Peter Plant and vice chair Paul Hodgson are (left to right) Billy Cass (fundraiser) Martin Cass (Lifetime Skiver) Dave Chebs ( The Brocks) Mike Cass (gig organiser & Lifetime Skiver) Richie Tearle (fundraiser)
For more information on Lifetime Skiver, go to http://www.lifetimeskiver.co.uk/
Talk-in reminder with Lidds and Maddo
Talk-in reminder with Lidds and Maddo
Meanwhile, a reminder that the next Trust talk-in has been confirmed for Thursday 15th October at The Beaconsfield Arms, Barnard Castle, starting at 8pm.
The price is £4 which includes a pie and peas supper. Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison, at time of writing our caretaker managerment team. will be the guest speakers. All are welcome for what promises to be an interesting evening.
The price is £4 which includes a pie and peas supper. Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison, at time of writing our caretaker managerment team. will be the guest speakers. All are welcome for what promises to be an interesting evening.
Prediction League Match 9
On what turned out to be a beautiful, hot and sunny day late into September, the saying “It never rains, but it pours” couldn’t be more true!
And as if there wasn’t enough with Darlo claiming only their second point of the season - and with only 10 men too - but on arriving home we find out that Colin Todd has resigned as manager “by mutual consent”.
After recent poor scoring weekends, most of our managers probably felt like resigning as the top of the table looked liked a waiting room for free gold bars – crowded!
No one is dominating as the leap frog game continues – new leaders on 33 points are Lance England (a close relative of the Irish branch) and Paul Johnson, both scoring that maximum eight points. In fact, all the Lances scored maximum points, apart from the Irish and Scottish cousins!Brian Main’s eight points have got him in the mix in joint fifth place on 28 along with Paul Soderman. John Berry has jumped to equal 10th spot on 25 points with his max score, joining Steve Duffy who also saw his second XI scoring eight, too.
Loads of other managers with eight points: Alex Wilson, Anthony Leigh, Barbara Woodshed, Buzz Lightyear, Chris Mackenzie, Gary Cooke, Ian Bonsall, Ian Davidson, James Longstreet, James McNaughton, John Sainsbury, Kev Leatherbarrow, Malcolm Cundick, Mike Wells, Neil Danby, Neil Jordison, Paul Robinson , Peter Armstrong, Peter Ashmore, Peter Morris, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin, Steve Gawthrop, Steve Mann, Tim Hewitson, Tracey Pickersgill, Wayne Gibson, Will Ellis
And all those extra points now see only two managers yet to score – Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic. Richard Collin has managed to drag both his teams above this select group.
Pete
And as if there wasn’t enough with Darlo claiming only their second point of the season - and with only 10 men too - but on arriving home we find out that Colin Todd has resigned as manager “by mutual consent”.
After recent poor scoring weekends, most of our managers probably felt like resigning as the top of the table looked liked a waiting room for free gold bars – crowded!
No one is dominating as the leap frog game continues – new leaders on 33 points are Lance England (a close relative of the Irish branch) and Paul Johnson, both scoring that maximum eight points. In fact, all the Lances scored maximum points, apart from the Irish and Scottish cousins!Brian Main’s eight points have got him in the mix in joint fifth place on 28 along with Paul Soderman. John Berry has jumped to equal 10th spot on 25 points with his max score, joining Steve Duffy who also saw his second XI scoring eight, too.
Loads of other managers with eight points: Alex Wilson, Anthony Leigh, Barbara Woodshed, Buzz Lightyear, Chris Mackenzie, Gary Cooke, Ian Bonsall, Ian Davidson, James Longstreet, James McNaughton, John Sainsbury, Kev Leatherbarrow, Malcolm Cundick, Mike Wells, Neil Danby, Neil Jordison, Paul Robinson , Peter Armstrong, Peter Ashmore, Peter Morris, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin, Steve Gawthrop, Steve Mann, Tim Hewitson, Tracey Pickersgill, Wayne Gibson, Will Ellis
And all those extra points now see only two managers yet to score – Dave Brown and Lemsip Opic. Richard Collin has managed to drag both his teams above this select group.
Pete
Sunday 13 September 2009
Prediction League Match 7
It’s official - Darlington’s new nickname is The Whipping Boys, as yet another defeat . . . 2-1 away at Accrington Stanley (who?) . . . condemns Darlo to a further week at the foot of the table.
And at this moment, it’s hard to see where that first win will come from. It’s proving equally as difficult for all our managers, as this bad run of results coupled with pre-season predictions of average expectations has becalmed the points scoring . . . not quite into The Doldrums yet as we did have some correct score predictions.
Emma Davis has taken advantage of this with her eight points and moved into joint first place with Andrew Hodgson and Paul Johnson on 25 points. Steve Austin has seen his correct prediction put him right into contention only 3 points behind the leaders on 22 with several other managers. Robert Mitchum is up to joint 13th with his old pal Humphrey Bogart on 19 – not sure how well they both know Lyn Williams, who is also on 19.
John Berry’s third XI joins the first XI on 17 points as does Richard Tilly; Chris Mackenzie’s first XI joins his second team on 14 points in joint 35th spot; and Lynne Pape’s eight-pointer means a joint 35th place also along with our last top-scoring manager Scott Morland, who has achieved his team name’s request (“Please Finish Top Half!) . . . well, so far anyway!!!Another of our mini-leagues is shaping up . . . CIU COD . . . where the six players are spread far and wide across the table. Martin Cass won’t mind because he’s top dog on 16 points in joint 30th place; with Keith Appleton next up on 14 and Damian Dickson on 11. Mark Stephenson . . . reigning champion for the past two seasons and “Going for a Club Treble” is just pacing himself (yeah, right) on 9 in joint 88th with Paul Dickson just behind on 8 in joint 106th. But bringing up the rear is Paul White on 6 points . . . but such is the low scoring nature at the moment, he can catch all in his mini-league except Martin Cass . . . if only he could pick up that correct score! (and if only I could get six correct numbers in the lottery I’d be a millionaire)
In Davy Jones’ Locker down in the very depths of the oceans, Richard Collin steadfastly refuses to move either of his teams from a zero-points rating. And while this happens his band of nul-pointers is dwindling after each game, with only Raymond Percival, Malcolm Cundick, Lemsip Opic and Dave Brown keeping him company. Even a correct score prediction won’t take them out of the bottom half of the table.
Pete
And at this moment, it’s hard to see where that first win will come from. It’s proving equally as difficult for all our managers, as this bad run of results coupled with pre-season predictions of average expectations has becalmed the points scoring . . . not quite into The Doldrums yet as we did have some correct score predictions.
Emma Davis has taken advantage of this with her eight points and moved into joint first place with Andrew Hodgson and Paul Johnson on 25 points. Steve Austin has seen his correct prediction put him right into contention only 3 points behind the leaders on 22 with several other managers. Robert Mitchum is up to joint 13th with his old pal Humphrey Bogart on 19 – not sure how well they both know Lyn Williams, who is also on 19.
John Berry’s third XI joins the first XI on 17 points as does Richard Tilly; Chris Mackenzie’s first XI joins his second team on 14 points in joint 35th spot; and Lynne Pape’s eight-pointer means a joint 35th place also along with our last top-scoring manager Scott Morland, who has achieved his team name’s request (“Please Finish Top Half!) . . . well, so far anyway!!!Another of our mini-leagues is shaping up . . . CIU COD . . . where the six players are spread far and wide across the table. Martin Cass won’t mind because he’s top dog on 16 points in joint 30th place; with Keith Appleton next up on 14 and Damian Dickson on 11. Mark Stephenson . . . reigning champion for the past two seasons and “Going for a Club Treble” is just pacing himself (yeah, right) on 9 in joint 88th with Paul Dickson just behind on 8 in joint 106th. But bringing up the rear is Paul White on 6 points . . . but such is the low scoring nature at the moment, he can catch all in his mini-league except Martin Cass . . . if only he could pick up that correct score! (and if only I could get six correct numbers in the lottery I’d be a millionaire)
In Davy Jones’ Locker down in the very depths of the oceans, Richard Collin steadfastly refuses to move either of his teams from a zero-points rating. And while this happens his band of nul-pointers is dwindling after each game, with only Raymond Percival, Malcolm Cundick, Lemsip Opic and Dave Brown keeping him company. Even a correct score prediction won’t take them out of the bottom half of the table.
Pete
Thursday 3 September 2009
Maddo, Lidds for talk-in
The first Darlington Supporters' Trust "talk-in" event of the season has been confirmed for Thursday 15th October (8pm, £4 admission) in Barnard Castle.
Youth team staff - and popular Darlo stars of the recent past - Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison will be at the Beaconsfield pub to answer your questions.
There will be a raffle and peas and pies supper on the night, food included in price.
Given the big changes at the club in recent months and hopes for our under 18s and under 16s, this will be a great opportunity for fans to chat about progress.
Prediction League Match 5
A point for Darlo, the first on our way to that magical 40 . . . or will it be 38 for safety?
Let’s hope it’s not too many more. A Kevin Gall goal saw a spirited fight-back after The Quakers went 1-0 down, an event which up to now has usually meant losing all three points. Our early leader in the Come On Darlo Prediction League Andrew Hodgson has maintained station, but is now joined on 22 points at the top by Lance England and Paul Johnson’s first and second XI . . . any more of that and there may be a steward’s enquiry :) . . . all three achieving the max score of eight points.
Only three points adrift in joint fifth spot are another clutch of max-scoring managers – Alf Hutchinson, Anthony Leigh, Dave Wilson and our old friend Humphrey Bogart. Kevin Kidger’s eight-pointer sees him occuping ninth place on 17 points.
It was a good scoring day for quite a few, other eight-pointers are: Avril Dent, Boss Prawn, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie, Chris Walto, Emma Davis, Ian Bonsall, Ian Butler, James Longstreet, John Berry, John Scott, Lance Broken, Lorraine Arscott, Lyn Williams, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Maureen Taylor, Michael Hunt, Mick Moriarty, Paul Soderman, Stephen Lander, Steve Austin, Steve Duffy, Tracey Pickersgill and Will Ellis.
In the end of season predictions, managers have generally gone for “The Usual Suspects” in the top four places in the Premiership, though there is a smattering of predictions for Everton and Man City in particular with their galacticos. Down the bottom, the Birmingham and Burnley combo with A. N. Other seems to be the order of the day. For the Championship, it leans heavily towards Sheff Utd, Middlesbrough and Newcastle followed by West Brom with Cardiff, Reading and Ipswich as the next most popular . . . though Ipswich is looking a particularly weak choice at the moment. Barnsley and Scunthorpe seems to be a consistent choice for relegation accompanied by a variety of others, though I do like the selection of one manager for Newcastle to finish bottom . . . a closet Sunderland fan? :)
For League 1, there are two clear favourites for promotion – Norwich and Leeds . . . though predictions are also strong for Charlton and Franchise FC (MK Dons). Exeter are tipped as whipping boys along with Stockport, but this part of the league seems wide open according to our manager selections. In League 2, the Notts County factor has kicked in big style as rock solid champions contenders . . . though they seem to be wilting a little at the moment in the spotlight . . . with probably Bournemouth and The Daggers as next favourites. And respect to anyone who has put Darlington in the promotion places . . . you would deserve all the points you get with that one!!! Relegation favourites are Macc and Acc in that order.
As for the Conference, not many are looking past Luton as champions – though quite a few have gone for AFC Wimbledon to join them. Now wouldn’t THAT be a dream come true for many football supporters throughout the country.
Back to the Come On Darlo Prediction League, another five managers escaped the bottomless pit of NUL points which leaves ONLY 12 yet to score a point . . . thus escaping the weekly naming and shaming in this email.
Pete
Let’s hope it’s not too many more. A Kevin Gall goal saw a spirited fight-back after The Quakers went 1-0 down, an event which up to now has usually meant losing all three points. Our early leader in the Come On Darlo Prediction League Andrew Hodgson has maintained station, but is now joined on 22 points at the top by Lance England and Paul Johnson’s first and second XI . . . any more of that and there may be a steward’s enquiry :) . . . all three achieving the max score of eight points.
Only three points adrift in joint fifth spot are another clutch of max-scoring managers – Alf Hutchinson, Anthony Leigh, Dave Wilson and our old friend Humphrey Bogart. Kevin Kidger’s eight-pointer sees him occuping ninth place on 17 points.
It was a good scoring day for quite a few, other eight-pointers are: Avril Dent, Boss Prawn, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie, Chris Walto, Emma Davis, Ian Bonsall, Ian Butler, James Longstreet, John Berry, John Scott, Lance Broken, Lorraine Arscott, Lyn Williams, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Maureen Taylor, Michael Hunt, Mick Moriarty, Paul Soderman, Stephen Lander, Steve Austin, Steve Duffy, Tracey Pickersgill and Will Ellis.
In the end of season predictions, managers have generally gone for “The Usual Suspects” in the top four places in the Premiership, though there is a smattering of predictions for Everton and Man City in particular with their galacticos. Down the bottom, the Birmingham and Burnley combo with A. N. Other seems to be the order of the day. For the Championship, it leans heavily towards Sheff Utd, Middlesbrough and Newcastle followed by West Brom with Cardiff, Reading and Ipswich as the next most popular . . . though Ipswich is looking a particularly weak choice at the moment. Barnsley and Scunthorpe seems to be a consistent choice for relegation accompanied by a variety of others, though I do like the selection of one manager for Newcastle to finish bottom . . . a closet Sunderland fan? :)
For League 1, there are two clear favourites for promotion – Norwich and Leeds . . . though predictions are also strong for Charlton and Franchise FC (MK Dons). Exeter are tipped as whipping boys along with Stockport, but this part of the league seems wide open according to our manager selections. In League 2, the Notts County factor has kicked in big style as rock solid champions contenders . . . though they seem to be wilting a little at the moment in the spotlight . . . with probably Bournemouth and The Daggers as next favourites. And respect to anyone who has put Darlington in the promotion places . . . you would deserve all the points you get with that one!!! Relegation favourites are Macc and Acc in that order.
As for the Conference, not many are looking past Luton as champions – though quite a few have gone for AFC Wimbledon to join them. Now wouldn’t THAT be a dream come true for many football supporters throughout the country.
Back to the Come On Darlo Prediction League, another five managers escaped the bottomless pit of NUL points which leaves ONLY 12 yet to score a point . . . thus escaping the weekly naming and shaming in this email.
Pete
Sunday 23 August 2009
Prediction League Match 4
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!
Perhaps one of the Darlo questions in the prediction league should have been “How many shots would Darlington have in a season?” rather than how many goals.
Another blank scoresheet at Port Vale saw the lads rock bottom in the whole Football League.
No such problems for Andrew Hodgson, as he scored his second maximum out of four games to put himself clear at the top of the league on 19 points.
Simon Cowing, Sue Oldham and Pete Ashmore’s eight-pointers have seen them join a whole herd of other managers on 14 points in joint second place.
Other top scorers are: Abigail Robinson, Adrian Lynch, Alan Mooney, Alf Hutchinson, Ian Davidson, Jean Johnson, Jean Pepper, Keith Appleton, Lyn Williams, Martin Cass, Neil Danby, Paul Dicko, Rhonda Fleming, Sam Taylor, Steve Gawthrop and The Duke.
There’s an even bigger herd (this is the correct noun for a group of managers, I assure you) at the bottom of the table who are yet to score a point. Mind, if you look closely, there could be a clue as to why this is . . . with such team names as Gone to the Dogs, Must Try Harder, Perseverance, the very apt Score Me A Goal and Darlo Rejects. Fact is lads and lasses, you’re beaten before you’ve even started with team names like that!
At least last-placed Will Ellis is being positive with “Will’s Winners” - go for it, the only way is up. The challenge this season was for the prediction league winner to try to break the 200-point mark . . . but with scores going as they are, this looks extremely unlikely.
Darlo’s challenge is to stay in the Football League . . . on present form, even more unlikely.
Onwards and upwards,
Pete
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Prediction League Match 3
Aaaarrrrrgh! You know that difficult season that’s been mentioned previously, well it just got even more difficult as Darlo failed to take advantage of a home game – losing 1-0 by a goal in the last few minutes.
Most managers failed to take advantage of this scoreline, with only Andy Fairweather-Low as one of last week’s leaders retaining top spot on 14 points – probably still feeling “wide-eyed” after this feat.
Joining him in first place are two max scorers in Malcolm Brett and Paul Johnson – these managers being only three of four out of the whole league who have correctly predicted the result of each game. The other is Adrian Pape down in 20th place, Adrian just needs to match that exact scoreline to boost those points.
Meanwhile, Paul Johnson must have copied from himself as his first team also gained maximum eight points to move into joint fourth place. Other max scorers moving into joint fourth place are Andrew Hodgson, Iain Cardwell, Martyn Cripps (defending champion) and Mike Cleasby.
Other managers who achieved the big eight (and who hadn’t scored any points prior to this) were: Anthony Leigh, Dave Wilson, Gary Parle, Jonny Simpson, Lance A lot, Neil Jordison, Peter White, Stephen James, Tracey Pickersgill and Trevor Gretton – all in joint 21st spot.
And, as for the rump end of the table, I’m normally not one to gloat (never been that high up the table myself) but there is an awfully large number of managers who have shown no form whatsoever when predicting scores.
More than 40 managers have nul points – including some of the leading lights of the past six years of the Come On Darlo Prediction League
Is it one of those seasons where hearts have ruled heads? And what we wanted to happen in games is not what is actually happening?
It could be a very long season.
Onwards and upwards,
Pete
Anyone with problems in receiving updates on email, contact: comeondarlo@sky.com
Monday 17 August 2009
Disabled group aim high at Darlo
By Claire Stone, Darlington Supporters' Trust and Darlington Disabled Supporters' Group
A group of disabled football supporters were invited to be mascots at Darlington Football Club's first home game of the season, which is against Bury on Saturday August 15.
The group, aged nine to 14 were Karl Bailey, Callan Adams, Martin Bailey, Callum Hunter, Davina Hunter, Matthew Stanley and Charlie Heslop and along with their parents/carers are all part of the Darlington Aiming High initiative.
Aiming High was launched last year by the Government to improve the opportunities and services for disabled children and their families, and to help disabled children to live ordinary lives.
The children all love football and thought it would be great if they could go along and watch a match. Darlington Football Club's disabled supporters group arranged for the children, their parents/carers and a number of students from Darlington's Queen Elizabeth College to meet manager Colin Todd and the players before watching the game. They then made it extra special by inviting the children to be match mascots.
Most of the children had never attended a football match before; however, some have detailed knowledge about the club and its history and can't believe that they are actually met the manager and the players as well as watch the game.
They all said they had a fantastic time and got plenty of autographs, a flag and a programme to remember the day by.
They all want to give an extra big thank you to Anthony - from Football In The Community at the club - who made their day extra special and is a credit to the Darlington Football Club.
Darlington Council’s Aiming High for disabled children’s manager Jenny Lumley said “The children all love football and thought it would be great if they could go along and watch a match.
"Darlington disabled supporters group and Trust arranged for the children, their parents/carers and a number of students from Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth College to meet the Manager and the players before watching the game. They then made it extra special by inviting the children to be match mascots.”
Councillor Jenny Chapman, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for children and young people thanked the fans groups for the "lovely gesture".
She added: "Most of the children have never attended a football match before; however, some have detailed knowledge about the club and its history and can’t believe that they are actually going to meet the manager and the players as well as watch the game."
Photo of the Aim High group on the pitch before the game, courtesy of Les Hodge/DFC
Prediction League Match 2
Welcome back all you oldies and welcome to all our new managers this season – one which looks like being a bleak one for any long-suffering Darlo fan.
As a second defeat probably shows how things are gonna stack up for the team.But back to the Come On Darlo Prediction League – a record number of managers have entered the competiton, well over 170.
Thanks for your support and good luck in the coming season battling it out for those first three places and the cash prizes on offer - not forgetting the highly coveted wooden spoon, of course.
We’ve a clutch of managers on 11 points, which means each have a correct score and a correct result to their names – Andy Fairweather-Low (love that song), David Alderson is back with his Army, James Cagney is on top of the world, Jayne Hathaway is certainly liking the seaside, new boy Ryan Longmate is also enjoying early season form, followed up by a Steve Calvert double with teams 2 and 3.
Other managers with one correct score prediction from the first two games are: Alex Wilson, Damian Dickson, Humphrey Bogart, James McNaughton, John Young, Kev Leatherbarrow, Lance England, Les Clarke, Lewis Raper, Robert Mitchum, Russell Jones, Sue Ashmore, Adrian Pape, Garry Mann, Malcolm Brett, Martyn Cripps, Paul Johnson and Simon Cowing.
Pete
Monday 27 July 2009
Prediction League time again!
It’s that time to test your football knowledge - against yourself and against your family, friends, workmates . . . whoever thinks they can beat you!
The Come On Darlo prediction league is upon us again, with a deadline of 7th August, So get those entries in and make sure you’re in line for one of our great prizes.
Thanks to those who’ve already entered. Last season's competition saw a huge 171 managers battling it out for the title. Can you beat the previous winner’s score of 193 points, achieved by Martyn Cripps? Could we see a manager hit that magical 200-point mark? That's the challenge for you, your friends, family and work colleagues.
Why not get enough managers together for your own mini league and the chance of showing off your footballing knowledge?
As well as Darlo's results, you predict the fortunes of other north east clubs, and cup and league winners down the pyramid. Weekly updates are emailed and published on our website.
And just to make things even more interesting, there are top prizes to be won -
1st, £100; 2nd, £50; 3rd, £25 with a £10 spot prize at New Year
1st, £100; 2nd, £50; 3rd, £25 with a £10 spot prize at New Year
Last year's entrants have been emailed forms. If you want a copy, email comeondarlo@sky.com. When complete, return the form with your cheque for £2 to:
Come On Darlo, 128 Lowther Drive, Darlington, DL1 4LZ by Friday, August 7, 2009 at the latest.
Come On Darlo, 128 Lowther Drive, Darlington, DL1 4LZ by Friday, August 7, 2009 at the latest.
Monday 20 July 2009
Season tickets help
Darlington Supporters' Trust has been assisting the club with its mail-out to fans for season tickets.
In the current interim, as Darlington FC prepares to exit administration, the Trust as a one-off, offered to assist the commerical department with paying for postage and the mail-out itself.
We very much hope, fans will take advantage of the discounts which are available this season - with a pledge that season ticket prices at £280 for adults (£175 concessions and £90 under 1s) will be pegged for three years, if 1,500 fans take up the Quakers Club scheme.
http://www.darlington-fc.net/page/SeasonTickets/0,,10339,00.html
In the current interim, as Darlington FC prepares to exit administration, the Trust as a one-off, offered to assist the commerical department with paying for postage and the mail-out itself.
We very much hope, fans will take advantage of the discounts which are available this season - with a pledge that season ticket prices at £280 for adults (£175 concessions and £90 under 1s) will be pegged for three years, if 1,500 fans take up the Quakers Club scheme.
http://www.darlington-fc.net/page/SeasonTickets/0,,10339,00.html
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Spicing up fund-raising
Kevin Stonehouse has arranged a fundraising evening for Football in the Community at a Darlington Bangladeshi restaurant on Thursday 23 July.
The "eat as much as you like" buffet will cost £25 (drinks extra), with a special menu consisting of traditional Bangladesh home cooking.
The restaurant owner will pay a donation to FITC - the more, the more people turn up.
Call Kevin for more details on 01325 387019
The "eat as much as you like" buffet will cost £25 (drinks extra), with a special menu consisting of traditional Bangladesh home cooking.
The restaurant owner will pay a donation to FITC - the more, the more people turn up.
Call Kevin for more details on 01325 387019
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Trust sponsors youth team kits
Darlington Supporters' Trust is sponsoring the kit of Darlington's under 16s and under 18s teams for the next season.
The £500 cheque for the under 16s has been handed over already to youth coach Craig Liddle by Trust vice chairman Paul Hodgson and comes from the money raised by the ongoing Trust Lottery Scheme, with members paying a small amount each month.
This was originally set up with the idea of raising funds for youth development. We're delighted the lads will be running out in shirts carrying the Trust logo.
The Trust has subsequently agreed to sponsor the kit for the under 18s too.
The Trust is looking at other ways of supporting the youth teams, especially in the current climate at the club.
Meanwhile the Trust is to sponsor Ian Miller's kit this season, following the tremendous news that he is staying on as Colin Todd looks to re-assembly the squad, once the club exits administration.
The £500 cheque for the under 16s has been handed over already to youth coach Craig Liddle by Trust vice chairman Paul Hodgson and comes from the money raised by the ongoing Trust Lottery Scheme, with members paying a small amount each month.
This was originally set up with the idea of raising funds for youth development. We're delighted the lads will be running out in shirts carrying the Trust logo.
The Trust has subsequently agreed to sponsor the kit for the under 18s too.
The Trust is looking at other ways of supporting the youth teams, especially in the current climate at the club.
Meanwhile the Trust is to sponsor Ian Miller's kit this season, following the tremendous news that he is staying on as Colin Todd looks to re-assembly the squad, once the club exits administration.
Trust welcomes Singh
Darlington Supporters Trust has welcomed the news that Raj Singh is to take over Darlington Football Club.
The Trust is delighted to lean that a deal has, at long last, been reached which will enable their preferred choice to take over Darlington Football Club.
Mr Singh has, we understand, come to terms with George Houghton, in a deal which will give some optimism to fans.
Trust chair Tony Taylor said he was pleased with the news. “It really has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Darlington fans over the last few seasons and let’s hope that this now brings a bit of stability to our football club.
"What has always impressed us with Mr Singh has been his commitment to the football side of the club and we look forward to working with him to ensure that the club becomes the hub of the community.
"Fans will appreciate, I am sure, that the Trust has been working hard behind the scenes over the last few weeks, and whilst we have been unable to publicise our discussions, we do hope that we have made people realise the importance of Darlington Football Club’s survival."
Taylor did warn fans not to go back to over realistic demands in terms of transfer deals and new faces coming in to the club. “We have had a very serious reality check in the last few weeks with our club coming perilously close to going out of business for good. Whilst the Trust had contingency plans in place had the club folded, our wish has always been to see the club survive in its present format in the Football League.
"We are pragmatic and realistic in our expectations, but so pleased that Raj Singh has finally been able to produce a deal that will move the club forward. We have already received numerous phone calls from Trust members around the country so we have no doubts that Darlington fans share our enthusiasm” said Taylor.
'Best chance'
The Trust a few weeks ago publically supported Mr Singh's initial efforts to buy the club from the administrator. We felt he has the interests of the club and its supporters at heart and is looking to give Darlington FC a viable future. We spoke with Mr Singh back then and are sure his positive but realistic approach will find favour with many supporters.
He does not promise the earth but we feel he offers our best chance of a stable future for the club.
Trust chairman Tony Taylor was invited, along with other fans' representatives for a hastily-arranged getting to know you meeting with Mr Singh after the news was confirmed.
Trust AGM on a positive note
Darlington Supporters' Trust held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 3rd June after a turbulent few weeks in the history of the club.
Not many fans a few weeks ago would have imagined we would be able to start proceedings on a truly positive note.
But Trust chairman Tony Taylor was able to report to members he had the previous evening attended a hastily arranged meeting between fans' representatives and new owner-in-waiting Raj Singh.
Mr Singh will hopefully be able to complete his takeover deal over the next few weeks and take Darlington FC out of administration.
The Trust has been reassured by his realistic approach, but also his sincere wish to listen to supporters and work with fans' representatives. This was in evidence in the first meeting, which as well as introductory, dealt with practical issues such as promotion of season tickets.
Tony Taylor answered questions on this, and how the Trust had been involved behind the scenes in talks with various bodies in the town, as well as preparing a "plan B" in case of a worst case scenario with the club.
The Trust board for the coming year was announced, with Peter Plant elected, and becoming Secretary, with Paul Hodgson elected and appointed Vice Chairman, and Ian Carter and Walter Lucas also elected unopposed. Tony Taylor (chairman), Maureen Taylor (treasurer) and David Taylor (membership secretary) remain in their posts, while Clare Stone, Kev Stonehouse and Steve Duffy agreed to be co-opted.
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