A message from the Club’s Chief Executive Officer

After almost exactly 3 years as a director of Darlington 1883 Limited, I am confirming my intention to resign and not to seek re-appointment at the forthcoming AGM, currently scheduled to be held on 5 November 2015.  This will allow for a structured handover of my executive duties in the meantime.

Over the last few weeks, I have discussed my decision with fellow directors and a number of other key stakeholders, advisors and representation from the Club’s major shareholder (Darlington FC Supporters Group (DFCSG)) – as well as Martin Gray - so as to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities and maintain the momentum of progress that has been made over the last 3 years.

My involvement with the Club, both professionally and personally, has been the most challenging yet rewarding of my career.  I am extremely proud of the significant achievements that have been delivered both on and off the pitch during my tenure.

It has certainly been eventful!  I have overseen 2 promotions in 3 seasons, yet behind the scenes it has needed 3 significant initiatives for the Club to firstly survive, and then achieve its on-field success whilst also gearing up towards the return to town.  The Club’s recent history, structure and governance has also meant that it has been essential to lay down good foundations of transparency and commercial potential that has already started to rebuild the Club’s brand and credibility with its fan base, local businesses and the wider Darlington community.

As at June 2015, the Club will be reporting that it no longer has any ongoing debt repayments and also had around £300,000 of cash in its bank account.  Whilst this is the position that many fans expected to be in immediately after its acquisition from the administrators in May 2012, those same fans must now make the most of this wonderful ‘blank canvass of opportunity’ to take the Club back into town and change its financial emphasis from mere survival to exciting growth and a return to the Football League that a town the size of Darlington deserves.

It is also clear that a number of tough decisions still lie ahead.  Fan ownership has been key to the Club’s rescue, but we are now moving into a new period for the Club’s owners when a significant, sustainable increase in fan funding (over and above merely attending matches) will be required to support the Club’s medium term aspirations and facilitate the Club’s off-field development back in town.

The Club needs stability and consistency both on and off the field for its full potential to be achieved and, under Dave Mills’ stewardship, I am confident that Board will retain the high standards and philosophies we have worked so hard to instil.

Whilst discussions continue regarding the Club’s return to town, the fans must collectively continue to dig deep to create a lasting legacy or risk losing the ‘control’ that so many fans groups yearn.  There is no room for complacency – every new season will require fresh targets, fresh ideas and fresh funding.

It is also abundantly clear that the Club’s ambition to progress back through the leagues can only be achieved by ensuring that adequate financial resources are directed towards the Club’s infrastructure and the right people off the field – not just into the playing and coaching staff.  We need to continue to rebuild the Club for the long term, not just build a team for short-term success.  Without such off-field investment the Club risks stagnation or disengagement by its loyal, but battle-weary, fans.

Karen and I hope to be able to come to as many matches as possible going forward.  I would have loved to be able to continue my involvement, and deliver the successful transition of the Club back into town, however over the last few months it has become ever more apparent that the significant, hands-on time commitment that is required in this role has been such that I must now concentrate on personal and other business opportunities.

I wish everyone connected with the Club every success moving forward.  It has been an absolute pleasure to share 3 exciting years of the Club’s history with you all.

Martin Jesper

Chief Executive Officer

9 October 2015