Ryan Howard thoroughly enjoyed his evening as a mascot for the home game against Whitby Town on Tuesday night, so much so, that his dad, Paul, wrote about the experience on the Darlo Uncovered messageboard.

The club have contacted him, and he has given us permission to reproduce the article on the official website. We’re delighted that Ryan and Paul thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Darlington Football Club!

Finding cost effective Christmas presents that will be appreciated by kids these days, for a father of three on a budget, is something of a nightmare. But last Christmas, after a very rare moment of inspiration, I purchased the mascot package for my football obsessed son. After a disappointing Boxing Day, Ryan’s present came to fruition when he was the mascot for the game against Whitby.

Ryan lives and breathes the sport, watching and playing at every opportunity. He's excelled with his local team winning player of the year and leading goalscorer last year. All that said, any present which was football related was going to be a winner - and that it was. He had a great night having a kick about on the pitch, walking out with the team and was even mentioned in the programme which he read all the way home. I'm pretty sure Darlington FC have recruited a new fan, and if Ryan has his way, a future striker!

All the above said, I felt it necessary to put over my own relatively neutral and comprehensive view on our first visit to Heritage Park.

Heart warming, inspirational, reassuring, sportingly romantic?! I'm usually known for my literary talents but, on this occasion only, I'm lost for words. I could attempt to use a hundred superlatives but none would do the club as a whole justice. I was met with top level professionalism at a non league club. A welcoming family atmosphere within a team steeped in history. I briefly chatted to some supporters, one of which first attended Feethams in 1959. It was a cold Tuesday night but he was still there. Community, hospitality and retail staff all had the customer service skills a Premiership club could put to use.

Scratching the surface on the club’s history tells me times haven't been easy. But from my, usually over-critical viewpoint the club is in safe hands both on and off the field and on the terraces. Keep up the good work and be proud of what you've achieved. Continue to be ambitious, passionate and forward thinking (a surprising rarity in modern sport). Be confident in where you’re heading because the common theme is that everyone loves the club and it would be a crime for it not to continue to rise to its rightful place in football. Ryan and myself are looking forward to joining you on the journey.

If you want to be mascot for a game – the privilege is open to people of all ages, not just youngsters – then contact us at commercial@dfc1883.co.uk. As Ryan and his dad will tell you, it’s a great experience!