The Supporters' Trust has written to local parliamentary candidates in the forthcoming election, asking questions about football fans' involvement in the game. We will add responses as they come in.
Mark Wilkes, Liberal Democrat, (Bishop Auckland)
I am very supportive of measures which give more control over Football Clubs to their fans. I am more than happy to support both of the questions you have put.
Jenny Chapman, Labour, (Darlington)
Great to hear from you. I am a firm believer in greater involvement of supporters with the running of clubs and, as you'd expect, support Labour's proposals.
Edward Legard, Conservative, (Darlington)
Thank you for your letter and please accept my apologies for (a) the delay in replying and (b) replying by e-mail. As you may well imagine, life is a little busy at present!
I do support both questions contained within your letter and am happy to confirm that publicly.
Eileen Driver, Labour, (Richmond & North Yorkshire)
Hello Tony, I am wholeheartedly with you.
Lawrence Meredith, Liberal Democrat, (Richmond & North Yorkshire)
Many thanks for your letter. I am a lifelong football support (Bradford City, as I am from Bradford. I fully support your campaign. I support the principles of increased supporter engagement, influence and ownership as a central part of improving governance. I commit to working with local supporters to help achieve these questions. Forgive me for this email response. If you would like a formal letter, please let me know and I'll be glad to write - it's just that time is now very short until election day! Please feel free to give me a call if you'd like to discuss any of these issues further. I hope that we can count on your support this Thursday.
Leslie Rowe, Green Party, (Richmond & North Yorkshire)
Thank you for your e-mail. I do support the principal of greater supporter involvement and ownership of their clubs within a system of better overall governance. This applies to all clubs, not just football. I would willingly work with local supporters’ trust and supporters direct nationally to help achieve these objects. At the end of the day the answer lies with the supporters themselves, being the providers of the financial support all clubs need.
Alan Thompson, Liberal Democrat, (Sedgefield)
Without supporters the soccer scene as we know it would not exist. I think it would be good for the supporters and the game generally if supporters had a share in ownership which in turn would give them influence over 'their' team. Although I support your aims and objectives I cannot commit to working with the Trust without knowing what the commitment meant. I do not wish to make pledges and then find myself unable to fulfil them.
Ian Galletley, Conservative, (Stockton North)
Tony - As a season ticket holder and long-term footie fanatic, of course I support you. You will remember we talked about five years ago in the immediate post-Reynolds debacle. If I am elected, get in touch again. As a councillor, of course I am with you.
Ian Saul, English Democrat, (Stockton North)
I used to be a keen football fan and attended Ayresome Park. However, I have totally lost interest as the game has changed, influx of money and foreign players so I no longer follow football but do play five-a-side twice a week. I was never one for jumping up and down when Middlesbrough scored either - which was all too seldom an event. So, in response to your questions, there are far more pressing matters in England/Stockton right now so I will be unable to support any grass roots movements in football. Sorry, but at least it's an honest answer.
Gordon Parkin, UKIP (Stockton North)
I can inform you that I am in favor of increased supporter engagement.
It is clear that the game of Football is a community activity and the community should have involvement in how the clubs are driven. As an elected representative I would be more than happy to work with local supporters clubs and assist them to reach their objectives. On the same note, I do believe that all three failed parties will now come under the governance of the EU and as such I do believe the union has drastic plans for all clubs in the 27 member states of the Union.
I am unable to quote the directive at this time, however I will be more than happy to research this with my colleagues in Brussels, if you so wish.
Alex Cunningham, Labour, (Stockton North)
Hello Tony - I do agree with your objectives and as a person brought up in Darlington itself from the age of 11 hope things can be changed for the better. Dismal game on Saturday when my nephew was team mascot.
Neil Sinclair. British National Party, (Stockton South)
As a Boro fan since 1969 although not a season ticket holder can I first commiserate with you and the fans of Darlington FC for the position you are now in, I,ve never been to the new ground but have been to Feethams many times in the 60,s/70,s/ + 80,s a ground that was ideally situated in the centre of town, whatever posessed George Reynolds to build the new larger capacity stadium where it is, you probably know better than me.! As regards your points I agree supporters should have influence, engagement and input in their clubs but wherever it happens apart from a few patronizing noises I doubt it. Your second point is a good one as supporters are the life blood of any club, turning out in all weathers, win or lose and spending their hard-earned cash to support their team and if they decide to vote with their feet the club can find itself in dire financial straits, the position Darlington FC is now in may be the right time for the Supporters Trust to have a say in the future of the club, so I wish you and the club the best of luck for the future.
Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat, (Stockton South)
Thank you for your message. Football is an important party of British life. My father attended the 1966 World Cup Final. I grew up in Sheffield - the home of Sheffield FC the oldest Football Club. My son is a long term Boro fan. I have attended Sheffield Wednesday and Berwick Rangers matches in my time with my father/son. I was concerned that a Boro ticket even 10 years ago was a similar price to an opera ticket. I have been concerned by the incoming of foreign stars which give a back tread to British talent. I have been concerned by the takeover of British football by overseas investors.
I'd like to see local people having a greater say in their local clubs and would work with local supporters to achieve this
Yvonne Hossack, Independent (Stockton South)
I do not know enough about the matter to give you a view on the technicalities. But of course the supporters could rely on my help as much as I could give. And if elected I would like, very much, to meet with the Trust
Dari Taylor, Labour, (Stockton South)
Thank you for emailing me. I am working really hard to respond to all the queries which are emailed to me and I will respond to your query soon.
Wednesday 28 April 2010
Monday 26 April 2010
Trust AGM notice
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Coachman Hotel,135 Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5JJ
Wednesday 2nd June 2010 7.30pm
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of previous meeting
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Membership Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. Presentation of 2009 Accounts
8. Appointment of Auditors
9. Result of Election for Board Members
10. Any Other Business as notified to the Secretary 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting
Any Member wishing to propose items for the Agenda must notify the
Secretary in writing with the Agenda item to be added to be received on or before
the 20th May 2010 at the following address:
Hon Secretary
Darlington Supporters’ Trust
P O Box 178
Northallerton DL7 7AG
Tel: 0844 414 2062
Members are also reminded that Nominations for the Board must be
received in writing by the Hon Secretary on or before the 20th May 2010
NB Nomination Forms may be downloaded from the Trust web sites at www.darlotrust.co.uk and www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk. or by contacting the Hon Secretary at the above address.
In line with the Rules of the Trust, you must be a fully paid up member of the Trust (for at least six continuous months prior to the 2nd June 2010) and be nominated by three fully paid up Trust Members.
Your nomination must include your full name, address and contact telephone number and you may include up to 200 words which will be published as your candidate manifesto and circulated with ballot papers. You should sign indicating your agreement to be nominated and this must be counter signed by three full Trust Members, who should also give their name and address.
Please ensure that your nomination reaches the Hon Secretary by the closing date, ie on or before 20th May 2010
The Coachman Hotel,135 Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5JJ
Wednesday 2nd June 2010 7.30pm
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of previous meeting
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Membership Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. Presentation of 2009 Accounts
8. Appointment of Auditors
9. Result of Election for Board Members
10. Any Other Business as notified to the Secretary 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting
Any Member wishing to propose items for the Agenda must notify the
Secretary in writing with the Agenda item to be added to be received on or before
the 20th May 2010 at the following address:
Hon Secretary
Darlington Supporters’ Trust
P O Box 178
Northallerton DL7 7AG
Tel: 0844 414 2062
Members are also reminded that Nominations for the Board must be
received in writing by the Hon Secretary on or before the 20th May 2010
NB Nomination Forms may be downloaded from the Trust web sites at www.darlotrust.co.uk and www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk. or by contacting the Hon Secretary at the above address.
In line with the Rules of the Trust, you must be a fully paid up member of the Trust (for at least six continuous months prior to the 2nd June 2010) and be nominated by three fully paid up Trust Members.
Your nomination must include your full name, address and contact telephone number and you may include up to 200 words which will be published as your candidate manifesto and circulated with ballot papers. You should sign indicating your agreement to be nominated and this must be counter signed by three full Trust Members, who should also give their name and address.
Please ensure that your nomination reaches the Hon Secretary by the closing date, ie on or before 20th May 2010
Prediction League Match 43
Weak . . . limp . . . lifeless . . . art imitating life?
A perfect description of Darlo’s season as we’re finally confirmed as bottom of the league.
But what a bumper day for Carl Hankin!!! Not only did he pick out the 2-0 scoreline in Grimsby’s favour, but he had Norwich as champions and Darlo to finish bottom in both the league and Darlo sections – points galore. David Munns was the only other manager with the correct scoreline.
Carl, as a result, has rocketed to the top of the league on 130 points, eight ahead of Robert Mitchum on 122 and Andrew Hodgson on 121. Dave Munns has moved up to 27th place with 91 points.
Further promotion and relegation places confirmed are:
Championship – 23rd, Plymouth: Andy Pickersgill, Josh Slack, Lynne Pape, Mark Oneil, Martyn Cripps 2, Neil Raper, Paul Hardy, Peter Armstrong, Peter Ashmore 2, Richard Widmark, Russell Jones, Simon Cowing, Stephen Curtis, Steve Gawthrop, Steve Mann, Sue Oldham, Terry Simpson, Trevor Gretton
League 1 – 1st, Norwich: Abigail Robinson, Adrian Lynch, Andrew Ashmore, Andrew Hodgson, Avril Dent, Buzz Lightyear, Carl Hankin, Chris Mackenzie 1, Chris Vallis, Dave Woods, David Munns, Emma Davis, Gary Woods, Ian Bonsall, James Cagney, James Longstreet, Keith Appleton, Ken Worthington, Martin Simpson, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Neil Jordison, Paul Hodgson, Peter White, Richard Tilly, Russell Jones, Ryan Longmate, Simon Cowing, Stephen James, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Gawthrop, Sue Oldham, Terry McCann, Victoria Richardson
League 2 – 24th, Darlington: Andy Fairweather-Low, Carl Hankin, Martyn Walton, Paul Johnson 2, Peter White
Local Football – Darlington’s final league postion: 24th - Andy Fairweather-Low, Carl Hankin, Paul Johnson 2, Peter White
It’s the Usual Suspects at the other end of the table – Lance Ireland gamely hanging on to 178th place with 22 points, Raymond Percival trying his hardest on 23 to replace him, with Richard Collin just ahead on 27.
Pete
A perfect description of Darlo’s season as we’re finally confirmed as bottom of the league.
But what a bumper day for Carl Hankin!!! Not only did he pick out the 2-0 scoreline in Grimsby’s favour, but he had Norwich as champions and Darlo to finish bottom in both the league and Darlo sections – points galore. David Munns was the only other manager with the correct scoreline.
Carl, as a result, has rocketed to the top of the league on 130 points, eight ahead of Robert Mitchum on 122 and Andrew Hodgson on 121. Dave Munns has moved up to 27th place with 91 points.
Further promotion and relegation places confirmed are:
Championship – 23rd, Plymouth: Andy Pickersgill, Josh Slack, Lynne Pape, Mark Oneil, Martyn Cripps 2, Neil Raper, Paul Hardy, Peter Armstrong, Peter Ashmore 2, Richard Widmark, Russell Jones, Simon Cowing, Stephen Curtis, Steve Gawthrop, Steve Mann, Sue Oldham, Terry Simpson, Trevor Gretton
League 1 – 1st, Norwich: Abigail Robinson, Adrian Lynch, Andrew Ashmore, Andrew Hodgson, Avril Dent, Buzz Lightyear, Carl Hankin, Chris Mackenzie 1, Chris Vallis, Dave Woods, David Munns, Emma Davis, Gary Woods, Ian Bonsall, James Cagney, James Longstreet, Keith Appleton, Ken Worthington, Martin Simpson, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Neil Jordison, Paul Hodgson, Peter White, Richard Tilly, Russell Jones, Ryan Longmate, Simon Cowing, Stephen James, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Gawthrop, Sue Oldham, Terry McCann, Victoria Richardson
League 2 – 24th, Darlington: Andy Fairweather-Low, Carl Hankin, Martyn Walton, Paul Johnson 2, Peter White
Local Football – Darlington’s final league postion: 24th - Andy Fairweather-Low, Carl Hankin, Paul Johnson 2, Peter White
It’s the Usual Suspects at the other end of the table – Lance Ireland gamely hanging on to 178th place with 22 points, Raymond Percival trying his hardest on 23 to replace him, with Richard Collin just ahead on 27.
Pete
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Prediction League Match 42
It was a Goal Fest at Whaddon Road against fellow strugglers Cheltenham . . . what a pity that Darlo let them have their ball back! With the Quakers 3-0 up in the first half, everyone could be forgiven for believing that here was another away win, but Chelts came roaring back to square the game.
Not surprisingly, not a single manager got that 3-3 scoreline right, but many had the draw for a consolation three points . . . I say consolation, but those three points could prove the difference between top spot and tenth place come the end of the season, such is the closeness of the table. Added to those points were others from three promoted teams – Newcastle and West Brom, first and second in the Championship, respectively. Stevenage were also confirmed as champions of the Blue Square Premier League.
Top tipsters for Newcastle (5 points) are: - Alan Mooney, Andy Pickersgill, Anthony Leigh, Dean Martin, Gary Cooke, Gary Parle, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Josh Slack, Karen Cardwell, Kevin Kidger, Lance A lot, Lance Wales, Lee Dyas, Lyn Williams, Malcolm Brett, Mark Oneil, Martin Cass, Matthew Ashmore, Mike Cleasby, Neil Jordison, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Peter Ashmore 2, Peter Morris, Richard Tilly, Sam Taylor, Steve Mann, The Duke, Tracey Pickersgill
Top tipsters for West Brom (5 points) are: - Andrew Hodgson, Andy Fairweather-Low, Avril Dent, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie 2, Damian Dickson, Dan Taylor, David Alderson, Emma Davis, Gary Woods, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Jean Pepper, John Berry 1, John Berry 2, Josh Slack, Kevin Kidger, Malcolm Cundick 2, Mark Hathaway, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Michael Hunt, Mike Cleasby, Neil Danby, Paul Johnson 1, Paul Robinson, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Peter Morris, Robert Mitchum, Sam Taylor, Scott Dinsdale, Stephen James,
Stephen Nicholson, Steve Duffy 2, Steve Mann, The Duke, Tim Hewitson
And top tipsters for Stevenage Borough (5 points) are: John Berry 3, John Shuttleworth, Martyn Cripps 2, Toby Corum 1. Got to say well done to you guys for picking them and refraining from selecting Luton at the beginning.
The leaders are still just creeping along, scores barely ticking over – Robert Mitchum has 122 points with Andrew Hodgson on 114 with Carl Hankin and Dave Taylor just behind on 107. But what of those just outside the top ten hoping to grab a top three place? Stephen Nicholson and Steve Austin have 97 points; David Alderson, Susan Weston and John Berry’s first XI have 96; whilst Gary Cooke (last year’s double spoonist . . . “and proud of it”) threatens to turn form upside down with his 95 points.
And in the Land That Points Forgot . . . the pitiful sight of three managers with less than 30 points each continues. Lance Ireland has 22, Raymond Percival on 23 and Richard Collin on 27. But they are now six points adrift from the rest of the table.
Pete
Not surprisingly, not a single manager got that 3-3 scoreline right, but many had the draw for a consolation three points . . . I say consolation, but those three points could prove the difference between top spot and tenth place come the end of the season, such is the closeness of the table. Added to those points were others from three promoted teams – Newcastle and West Brom, first and second in the Championship, respectively. Stevenage were also confirmed as champions of the Blue Square Premier League.
Top tipsters for Newcastle (5 points) are: - Alan Mooney, Andy Pickersgill, Anthony Leigh, Dean Martin, Gary Cooke, Gary Parle, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Josh Slack, Karen Cardwell, Kevin Kidger, Lance A lot, Lance Wales, Lee Dyas, Lyn Williams, Malcolm Brett, Mark Oneil, Martin Cass, Matthew Ashmore, Mike Cleasby, Neil Jordison, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Peter Ashmore 2, Peter Morris, Richard Tilly, Sam Taylor, Steve Mann, The Duke, Tracey Pickersgill
Top tipsters for West Brom (5 points) are: - Andrew Hodgson, Andy Fairweather-Low, Avril Dent, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie 2, Damian Dickson, Dan Taylor, David Alderson, Emma Davis, Gary Woods, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Jean Pepper, John Berry 1, John Berry 2, Josh Slack, Kevin Kidger, Malcolm Cundick 2, Mark Hathaway, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Michael Hunt, Mike Cleasby, Neil Danby, Paul Johnson 1, Paul Robinson, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Peter Morris, Robert Mitchum, Sam Taylor, Scott Dinsdale, Stephen James,
Stephen Nicholson, Steve Duffy 2, Steve Mann, The Duke, Tim Hewitson
And top tipsters for Stevenage Borough (5 points) are: John Berry 3, John Shuttleworth, Martyn Cripps 2, Toby Corum 1. Got to say well done to you guys for picking them and refraining from selecting Luton at the beginning.
The leaders are still just creeping along, scores barely ticking over – Robert Mitchum has 122 points with Andrew Hodgson on 114 with Carl Hankin and Dave Taylor just behind on 107. But what of those just outside the top ten hoping to grab a top three place? Stephen Nicholson and Steve Austin have 97 points; David Alderson, Susan Weston and John Berry’s first XI have 96; whilst Gary Cooke (last year’s double spoonist . . . “and proud of it”) threatens to turn form upside down with his 95 points.
And in the Land That Points Forgot . . . the pitiful sight of three managers with less than 30 points each continues. Lance Ireland has 22, Raymond Percival on 23 and Richard Collin on 27. But they are now six points adrift from the rest of the table.
Pete
Monday 19 April 2010
Prediction League Match 41
Whoa there managers . . . more points than you can shake a stick at! No less than 38 of you plucked that 2-0 away defeat to Bournemouth from somewhere.
And it’s had the result of closing up the top of the table in the Come On Darlo Prediction League.
Lance’s good mate Robert Mitchum has temporarily gone into that “sleep” again, allowing Andrew Hodgson to close to within eight points after his max score. Robert has 117 with Andrew moving on up with 109, whilst Carl Hankin is still there on 105 but is now joined by Dave Taylor after his max score. Adrian Pape and Tony Taylor on 103 and Richard Sole on 100 are our other century-scoring managers.
Now, for all those other clever so-and-so’s who got eight points - Alan Mooney, Alex Wilson, Andrew Ashmore, Barbara Woodshed, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, Edward Cundick, Hannah Taylor, John Sainsbury, John Young 1, Lance Broken, Lance England, Lewis Raper, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Maureen Taylor, Neil Danby, Neil Raper, Paul Dicko, Paul Hodgson, Paul Johnson 1, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Rhonda Fleming, Sam Taylor, Sarah Bell, Scott Morland, Steve Calvert 1, The Duke, Tim Hewitson.
This weekend also saw the final resting place of the club called Portsmouth – well, 20th place in the Premier League to be precise – resulting in the following (other) clever so-and-so’s having the correct prediction - Damian Dickson, Gary Cooke, Iain Cardwell, Jeff Maughan, John Berry 2, Kev Leatherbarrow, Ryan Longmate.
Mind, Lance Ireland can’t blame any mates for his present predicament . . . bottom of the league, all on his own. It’s taken a while, but it’s been coming . . . that wooden spoon is coming out of it’s presentation case (yeah, right) ready for inscription :) :) :) Lance is still sat on those 20 mighty points, with Richard Collin just above on 22 and Raymond Percival on 23. But my eye keeps getting drawn to the fantastic team grouping of Malcolm Cundick – first, second and third XIs all in the bottom eleven places!!! No prizes for top team, but lots of kudos for optimism!!!
But the points rush is gonna kick into overdrive in the coming couple of weeks, as final league placings are confirmed – so watch out for big changes in the table.
Pete
And it’s had the result of closing up the top of the table in the Come On Darlo Prediction League.
Lance’s good mate Robert Mitchum has temporarily gone into that “sleep” again, allowing Andrew Hodgson to close to within eight points after his max score. Robert has 117 with Andrew moving on up with 109, whilst Carl Hankin is still there on 105 but is now joined by Dave Taylor after his max score. Adrian Pape and Tony Taylor on 103 and Richard Sole on 100 are our other century-scoring managers.
Now, for all those other clever so-and-so’s who got eight points - Alan Mooney, Alex Wilson, Andrew Ashmore, Barbara Woodshed, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, Edward Cundick, Hannah Taylor, John Sainsbury, John Young 1, Lance Broken, Lance England, Lewis Raper, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Maureen Taylor, Neil Danby, Neil Raper, Paul Dicko, Paul Hodgson, Paul Johnson 1, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Rhonda Fleming, Sam Taylor, Sarah Bell, Scott Morland, Steve Calvert 1, The Duke, Tim Hewitson.
This weekend also saw the final resting place of the club called Portsmouth – well, 20th place in the Premier League to be precise – resulting in the following (other) clever so-and-so’s having the correct prediction - Damian Dickson, Gary Cooke, Iain Cardwell, Jeff Maughan, John Berry 2, Kev Leatherbarrow, Ryan Longmate.
Mind, Lance Ireland can’t blame any mates for his present predicament . . . bottom of the league, all on his own. It’s taken a while, but it’s been coming . . . that wooden spoon is coming out of it’s presentation case (yeah, right) ready for inscription :) :) :) Lance is still sat on those 20 mighty points, with Richard Collin just above on 22 and Raymond Percival on 23. But my eye keeps getting drawn to the fantastic team grouping of Malcolm Cundick – first, second and third XIs all in the bottom eleven places!!! No prizes for top team, but lots of kudos for optimism!!!
But the points rush is gonna kick into overdrive in the coming couple of weeks, as final league placings are confirmed – so watch out for big changes in the table.
Pete
Thursday 15 April 2010
Prediction League Match 40
It’s finally happened . . . another (hopefully brief) journey into the Conference for Darlo, despite a battling 1-0 away win at table-topping Rochdale. And, along with Dale, the two longest-serving Division 2 teams will probably be leaving the division at the same time . . . from opposite ends.
A clutch of managers have impressed with their eight-pointers, moving them well into the top quarter of the table – Anthony Leigh is best placed on 85 points in 14th, while Lorraine Arscott and Gary Cooke aren’t too far behind on 79 in 23rd spot. Tracey Pickersgill is close by on 76, followed by Trevor Gretton on 75 and Paul Hardy on 72.
Peter White may just have saved his blushes, moving clear of the relegation zone on 36 points, John Young’s second XI’s improvement can only be described as “fair to middling”, now on 53 points.
Little change at the top of the leaderboard, still Robert Mitchum with a 15-point lead over Carl Hankin who are on 117 and 102, respectively. Andrew Hodgson in bronze medal position on 97.
Stockport have finally succumbed to 24th spot in Division 1 and boy did a few of you pick ‘em - Abigail Robinson, Alex Wilson, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie 1, Chris Mackenzie 2, Dave Wilson, David Alderson, Edward Cundick, Emma Davis, Gary Cooke, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jean Johnson, John Berry 1, Kev Leatherbarrow, Lee Dyas, Lewis Raper, Mark Lear, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Cripps 2, Neil Jordison, Neil Raper, Paul Hodgson, Paul White, Rudy Dunk, Stephen Curtis, Steve Calvert 1, Susan Weston, Victoria Richardson and Will Ellis.
Meanwhile, at the cryogenically frozen end of the table, where time has stood still (as well as the scores) for what seems like a thousand years, Richard Collin and Lance Ireland have made the number 20 (points) their own. Raymond Percival is still down there, too, on 23.
Pete
A clutch of managers have impressed with their eight-pointers, moving them well into the top quarter of the table – Anthony Leigh is best placed on 85 points in 14th, while Lorraine Arscott and Gary Cooke aren’t too far behind on 79 in 23rd spot. Tracey Pickersgill is close by on 76, followed by Trevor Gretton on 75 and Paul Hardy on 72.
Peter White may just have saved his blushes, moving clear of the relegation zone on 36 points, John Young’s second XI’s improvement can only be described as “fair to middling”, now on 53 points.
Little change at the top of the leaderboard, still Robert Mitchum with a 15-point lead over Carl Hankin who are on 117 and 102, respectively. Andrew Hodgson in bronze medal position on 97.
Stockport have finally succumbed to 24th spot in Division 1 and boy did a few of you pick ‘em - Abigail Robinson, Alex Wilson, Brian Main, Chris Mackenzie 1, Chris Mackenzie 2, Dave Wilson, David Alderson, Edward Cundick, Emma Davis, Gary Cooke, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jean Johnson, John Berry 1, Kev Leatherbarrow, Lee Dyas, Lewis Raper, Mark Lear, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Cripps 2, Neil Jordison, Neil Raper, Paul Hodgson, Paul White, Rudy Dunk, Stephen Curtis, Steve Calvert 1, Susan Weston, Victoria Richardson and Will Ellis.
Meanwhile, at the cryogenically frozen end of the table, where time has stood still (as well as the scores) for what seems like a thousand years, Richard Collin and Lance Ireland have made the number 20 (points) their own. Raymond Percival is still down there, too, on 23.
Pete
Monday 12 April 2010
Prediction League Matches 38 and 39
A lovely spring day heralded Darlo’s entry into their non-league Winter, now only one point away from the inevitable. A truly forgettable 0-0 scoreline produced by both teams has seen a significant change in the Come On Darlo Prediction League.
Robert Mitchum has increased his lead at the top of the table to a massive 12 points – now sitting on 114. Carl Hankin is the only other points centenarian with 102 and Andrew Hodgson is close by on 97. Has Rob made the decisive move for league glory?
And there was a fair smattering of correct predictions for our managers – ten in all – with Lance Broken and Toby Corum benefiting most moving up to joint 11th on 86 points. Anthony Leigh is still in with a shout of the leaders on 77 with his max score. Martyn Walton now has 66 in 56th, Paul Hardy 64 in 64th, Kev Leatherbarrow 62 in 71st and John Shuttleworth 60 in 82nd. In the bottom half, Andrew Ashmore has 54 in 107th, Dean Martin 51 in 121st and Mar O’Neil 44 in 142nd.
And the first relegation place has finally been confirmed – and it’s not Darlo!!! Peterborough have finished in 24th place in the Championship, which was precisely predicted by: Andy Pickersgill, Luke Hewitson, Richard Tilly, Robert Mitchum, Scott Dinsdale, Steve McGarvie and Sue Oldham. Darlo’s final placing might not be confirmed for a couple of games yet.
This mini scoring spree has, as you might imagine, had no effect on the league’s basement managers – both Richard Collin and Lance Ireland clinging to that wooden spoon with both hands. Both are still on 20 points, with Raymond Percival three points ahead on 23 and Lee Dyas a further three ahead on 26. Pete White can’t look smug either.
The points should start to flow thick and fast in the coming games, with many promotion and relegation places being confirmed.
Match 38:
You can just feel those final nails being driven into the coffin of Darlo’s league status . . . as their recent mini-revival came to an end at home to Hereford.
But we’re not the first team to be relegated this season, that “honour” falls to Peterborough in the Championship; whilst Newcastle have also confirmed their promotion at the first attempt back to the Premiership – but neither team’s final league position has yet been confirmed.
We’ve also got another first!!! A new leader at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League – none other than our film superstar Robert Mitchum, everyone’e favourite anti-hero (or was that the old Poolie striker Joe Allen?). It was Robert’s second eight-pointer in a row, shooting him to the pinnacle of footballing punditry achievement – top o’ the league. Robert’s 106 takes him clear of dead-in-the-water Carl Hankin who is stranded and cut adrift on 102. Andrew Hodgson is similarly afflicted by imitating a statue, still on 97.
Chris Vallis scored a welcome eight points to creep into the top half on 64 points, but the other managers with the max score have only really managed to pull away from Relegation Highway – Ken Worthington on 57, Steve Calvert’s first XI on 55, Adrian Lynch on 54 and Sarah Bell on 42.
Other managers who predicted an away win are: Adrian Pape, Chris Mackenzie 2, Deborah Dinsdale, Elaine Battison, Gary Parle, Humphrey Bogart, Jayne Hathaway, Kevin Kidger, Les Clarke, Luke Hewitson, Mark Lear, Mick Spencer, Paul Johnson 2, Scott Dinsdale, Sue Ashmore, Toby Corum 2
It’s still a two (wooden spoon) horse race at the bottom with Lance Ireland and Richard Colling, whilst Raymond Percival and Lee Dyas are well within range if, by some miracle, points are actually scored down there.
Pete
Robert Mitchum has increased his lead at the top of the table to a massive 12 points – now sitting on 114. Carl Hankin is the only other points centenarian with 102 and Andrew Hodgson is close by on 97. Has Rob made the decisive move for league glory?
And there was a fair smattering of correct predictions for our managers – ten in all – with Lance Broken and Toby Corum benefiting most moving up to joint 11th on 86 points. Anthony Leigh is still in with a shout of the leaders on 77 with his max score. Martyn Walton now has 66 in 56th, Paul Hardy 64 in 64th, Kev Leatherbarrow 62 in 71st and John Shuttleworth 60 in 82nd. In the bottom half, Andrew Ashmore has 54 in 107th, Dean Martin 51 in 121st and Mar O’Neil 44 in 142nd.
And the first relegation place has finally been confirmed – and it’s not Darlo!!! Peterborough have finished in 24th place in the Championship, which was precisely predicted by: Andy Pickersgill, Luke Hewitson, Richard Tilly, Robert Mitchum, Scott Dinsdale, Steve McGarvie and Sue Oldham. Darlo’s final placing might not be confirmed for a couple of games yet.
This mini scoring spree has, as you might imagine, had no effect on the league’s basement managers – both Richard Collin and Lance Ireland clinging to that wooden spoon with both hands. Both are still on 20 points, with Raymond Percival three points ahead on 23 and Lee Dyas a further three ahead on 26. Pete White can’t look smug either.
The points should start to flow thick and fast in the coming games, with many promotion and relegation places being confirmed.
Match 38:
You can just feel those final nails being driven into the coffin of Darlo’s league status . . . as their recent mini-revival came to an end at home to Hereford.
But we’re not the first team to be relegated this season, that “honour” falls to Peterborough in the Championship; whilst Newcastle have also confirmed their promotion at the first attempt back to the Premiership – but neither team’s final league position has yet been confirmed.
We’ve also got another first!!! A new leader at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League – none other than our film superstar Robert Mitchum, everyone’e favourite anti-hero (or was that the old Poolie striker Joe Allen?). It was Robert’s second eight-pointer in a row, shooting him to the pinnacle of footballing punditry achievement – top o’ the league. Robert’s 106 takes him clear of dead-in-the-water Carl Hankin who is stranded and cut adrift on 102. Andrew Hodgson is similarly afflicted by imitating a statue, still on 97.
Chris Vallis scored a welcome eight points to creep into the top half on 64 points, but the other managers with the max score have only really managed to pull away from Relegation Highway – Ken Worthington on 57, Steve Calvert’s first XI on 55, Adrian Lynch on 54 and Sarah Bell on 42.
Other managers who predicted an away win are: Adrian Pape, Chris Mackenzie 2, Deborah Dinsdale, Elaine Battison, Gary Parle, Humphrey Bogart, Jayne Hathaway, Kevin Kidger, Les Clarke, Luke Hewitson, Mark Lear, Mick Spencer, Paul Johnson 2, Scott Dinsdale, Sue Ashmore, Toby Corum 2
It’s still a two (wooden spoon) horse race at the bottom with Lance Ireland and Richard Colling, whilst Raymond Percival and Lee Dyas are well within range if, by some miracle, points are actually scored down there.
Pete
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Trust thanked for coaching support
Kevin Stonehouse, Football in the Community officer at Darlington FC, thanked the Trust in a recent programme article for their backing for a recent schools coaching scheme.
"Football in the Community relies heavily on donations and financial backing and we're very grateful for the help provided by the Supporters' Trust amongst others," wrote Kevin.
"The Trust has helped us in many ways in the past and they recently provided us with the financial backing to do some coaching at Corporation Road School, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone concerned."
Any school interested in future coaching is asked to call Kevin on 07790 015410.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Prediction League Match 37
Is the pressure off? Another win for The Quakers but it’s all just a bit too late now, unless . . . :)
And it’s all getting a bit too much for our leaders – Carl Hankin just about hanging on to the lead with his 102 points, but the rest are bunching up behind him with Robert Mitchum the latest to challenge his leadership on 98 points. Andrew Hodgson still there on 97, with David Taylor 95 and Tony Taylor 93 in with a shout. Steve Austin’s eight-pointer has moved him to joint 8th place on 87 points. Past winner Toby Corum’s max score sees him handily placed on 78 points in 18th place.
Maureen Taylor now has 69 in 37th, whilst a clutch of managers improved their positions into the top half of the table with their eight-pointers: Tracey Pickersgill, Lewis Raper, Damian Dickson, Luke Hewitson, Mike Cleasby and Matthew Ashmore. Others with eight points are: Chris Mackenzie, Frank Mann, Ian Davidson, Jean Pepper, John Berry 2, Malcolm Cundick 1, Malcolm Cundick 2, Nick Walters and Toby Corum 2.
Which means at the foot of the table – Then There Were Two! Lance Ireland and Richard Collin are a full three points behind the pack now and showing no signs of improvement.
Pete
And it’s all getting a bit too much for our leaders – Carl Hankin just about hanging on to the lead with his 102 points, but the rest are bunching up behind him with Robert Mitchum the latest to challenge his leadership on 98 points. Andrew Hodgson still there on 97, with David Taylor 95 and Tony Taylor 93 in with a shout. Steve Austin’s eight-pointer has moved him to joint 8th place on 87 points. Past winner Toby Corum’s max score sees him handily placed on 78 points in 18th place.
Maureen Taylor now has 69 in 37th, whilst a clutch of managers improved their positions into the top half of the table with their eight-pointers: Tracey Pickersgill, Lewis Raper, Damian Dickson, Luke Hewitson, Mike Cleasby and Matthew Ashmore. Others with eight points are: Chris Mackenzie, Frank Mann, Ian Davidson, Jean Pepper, John Berry 2, Malcolm Cundick 1, Malcolm Cundick 2, Nick Walters and Toby Corum 2.
Which means at the foot of the table – Then There Were Two! Lance Ireland and Richard Collin are a full three points behind the pack now and showing no signs of improvement.
Pete
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