20 Questions: Darlington

A trip to the North East

Jun 04, 2025

Wednesday 4 June 2025

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THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE 2025-26 CALENDAR: Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Darlington supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Wednesday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

We’ve got another instalment of our ‘20 Questions’ series for you today, as Adam Cattell – host of the Darlo Till I Die podcast – joins us from his home in Australia. Probably nicer weather over there than Darlington to be fair; Stockport too, where Adam was born!

Today’s edition is sponsored by Freshio. A big thank you to Carl and Fiona.

Thanks also to Fin at Eurojag who sponsors our Darlington content on the website.

Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.

Total distance so far: 253.75 miles

Total steps so far: 418,084

Total raised so far: £2,312

Total completed streets so far: 474 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)

Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.

Des Junior

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Photo credit: Darlington FC

Darlington currently play in the National League North, which is the sixth tier of English football. What’s that like as a division?

Tough. Physical. Unforgiving. It’s full of teams that can beat anyone on their day – and pitches that tell their own story by February. You’ve got ex-EFL clubs, ambitious upstarts, and teams playing purely for pride. Every week’s a battle, and nothing comes easy.

Describe a typical matchday for yourself in Darlington.

I’ve been living in Brisbane, Australia for the past 10 years, so my matchdays are a little unconventional. Kick-offs are usually around midnight or 1am, so I stay up late and tune into the brilliant Darlo Fans Radio. It’s not quite being there, but it keeps me connected.

Who are your club’s biggest rivals?

It’s always been Hartlepool, though we haven’t played them in a meaningful fixture for close to 15 years now. Some fans might say it’s Spennymoor United these days, but that really does divide opinion!

What’s your best memory following Darlington?

It has to be the 2011 FA Trophy win at Wembley. Chris Senior scoring in the last minute of extra time – absolute scenes.

What’s your worst memory following Darlington?

The 2000 play-off final against Peterborough at Wembley. We looked nailed-on for promotion for most of the season, but fell away late on. Despite beating Hartlepool over two legs in the semis, we didn’t take our chances in the final – and we were punished, in the pouring rain, no less.

If Darlington was a TV show, which one would it be?

Phoenix Nights. Underdog spirit, chaotic at times, full of northern charm – and a club that probably shouldn’t still be running, but somehow is, thanks to a loyal cast of diehards keeping it all together.

What’s your ground called, and how would you describe it for someone who’s never visited before?

Blackwell Meadows. Let’s just say it suits our needs for now. But truthfully, the sooner the club can find a home of its own again, the better.

What’s your thoughts on Stockport County?

They seem to be a club on the rise. I remember them well from the early 90s, with big Kevin Francis up top!

County’s last trip to Darlington was during our 2018-19 National League North title-winning season, with Nyal Bell scoring the only goal of the game (Photo credit: Mike Petch)

Have you ever visited the town of Stockport before?

Funny one – I was actually born in Stockport! My parents lived in Bramhall, but we moved up north when I was two. I think the last time I was there was at Edgeley Park in 2002 for a Football League Trophy game. We lost 1-0.

What colours do you play in, and what’s the best ever kit Darlington have had?

Black and white. For me, it’s the 1995–96 home shirt – classic hoops with the orange Mobile Square sponsor in the middle. Iconic.

If Darlington were playing in the next FA Cup final, who’d be at Wembley as your celebrity fan?

Chris Edwards from Kasabian. He’s a Darlington fan and a member of the Darlington Football Supporters Group. He pops up at games now and then.

What’s the most interesting fact about Darlington FC we might not know?

Back in 2000, when Manchester United withdrew from the FA Cup to play in the Club World Cup, we were drawn as the ‘lucky losers’. Our reward? A trip to Aston Villa in the next round.

Who’s your all time Darlington hero?

Craig Liddle. Absolute cult hero. He stepped in as caretaker boss three times during administrations and was a warrior of a centre-half for us.

What sort of attendances do you get, and how would you describe Darlington’s fanbase?

We get around 1,200 to 1,500 most weeks. Our fans are passionate, loyal, long-suffering – proper supporters who’ve stuck by the club through everything. The lows make the highs that bit sweeter.

What’s your manager like?

Steve Watson’s done a really good job steadying the ship. He’s brought some belief back, which we badly needed.

What’s your owner like?

We’re fan-owned, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not always easy, but it means every decision is made with the long-term in mind.

What’s it like for a night out in Darlington?

It’s been a while since I’ve had one, to be honest – probably not qualified to say anymore!

What’s the best thing about being a Darlington fan?

The sense of community. It’s not just a football club – it’s part of your identity. Through collapse, rebirth and rebuilding, the fans have been the club.

What’s the worst thing about being a Darlington fan?

Watching clubs with less history and smaller fanbases get a few lucky breaks, while we always seem to do it the hard way.

What are your hopes for next season?

Top of the wishlist: progress on a new stadium. On the pitch, I’d love to see us push for a top seven finish and a play-off spot. We seem to be heading in the right direction.

➡️ Enjoyed today’s article? Click here for all of the other ‘20 Questions’ features we’ve published.

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Photo(s) of the day

Here’s 10 of my favourite photos from May!

Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together The Scarf My Father Wore calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

A few words from Eurojag

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Today in SK

🎬 Cinema

One film at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) this evening. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (12A) at 7.30pm. Click here for tickets.

🍺 Food and drink

The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £5.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £1.50, and 3 for £7 on Jägerbombs. Also, double up for £2 on premium spirits.

Bitter £2.30 a pint all night at The Cross Keys (SK8).

A number of venues are featured on The Scarf My Father Wore such as The Crown (SK2), The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Steelworks (SK6), The Three Tunnes (SK7) and Flute & Firkin (SK12). Support them this month by popping in for a few drinks and a bite to eat.