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
Thursday 26 November 2009
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
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