The club is very sad to learn about the passing of former manager Alan Murray at the age of 76.

Alan, who had previously been manager at Hartlepool and had helped them to promotion, was appointed our manager in October 1993 when we were struggling near the bottom of the old Fourth Division table, and he played a major part in saving us from relegation that season.

One of his early games was a memorable 7-3 win over Colchester United at Feethams -- one of the best games ever seen at the old ground -- after which he said "I only felt comfortable when we were four goals in front".

He brought several players to the club, including Bernie Slaven, Paul Cross, Paul Olsson, Andy Crosby and Matty Appleby.

He stayed with the club until March 1995, and returned briefly as commercial manager in 2009.

Everyone at Darlington FC would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Alan's family and friends.