Behind the scenes – update 19

Here is the latest of the behind the scenes updates of events at Darlington FC.

The Boards of Darlington FC and DFCSG continue to meet regularly via video conference call, to discuss various ongoing relevant matters. They last met on Thursday 6^th August 2020

The next league season:

As you have no doubt seen in the national press, the FA have released guidance for the return of grassroots football and within that the National League System guidance states that fixtures for Steps 1 & 2 will start on Saturday 3^rd October subject to change due to Government guidance at that time.

David Johnston and Dave Watson attended a virtual league meeting for National League North Division clubs on 6^th August and were informed that the new season’s fixtures will be released in early September. There will be no FA Cup replays this season, and there will be at least seven midweek league games in the first two months of the season. There was a long discussion about live streaming of matches at the league meeting, and we continue to look into the possibility of doing so. Further discussions with the league and other parties are scheduled.

In order to prepare for an eventual start to the 2020/21 season, the Club is currently undertaking full risk assessments, some in conjunction with DRFC, in order to make Blackwell Meadows Covid-19 Secure, before games can be played. At this time, there is still no clear Government guidance on whether spectators will be permitted. The meeting discussed the impact of our preliminary assessments.

Other news:

• We also continue to make good use of our Zoom facility to interview former players Les McJannet, Gary Coatsworth and Robbie Painter for 90s week on the official website. The feedback we have received shows that these features are very popular. We have just completed a week-long series with Neil Wainwright. Interviews are scheduled soon with Phil Brumwell and Steve Gaughan.
• We opened voting on the official website for the 2019-20 Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards. We were hoping to present all of the 2019-20 awards at a presentation night, but Covid restrictions have prevented this. Instead, we will present the awards at training at a suitable social distance and record the occasion for later transmission on the official website.
• We are supporting our sponsors by publishing their news on our official website – last week we published a story about flights to London Heathrow from Teesside International Airport.

Coming up, we will:

• Continue the ongoing work on the review of the new 2020-21 Commercial brochure. This is now at the graphic design stage and hopefully, this will be available later this month.
• Keep you up to date with any further club developments

Throughout these very difficult and unprecedented times, we have maintained a very high profile for the club on our official website and social media channels, and we will continue to do so until we resume matches for the benefit of our much-valued volunteers and loyal supporters and sponsors.

Thank you for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

Remember, follow the guidelines, and stay safe.