In this exclusive interview Ben discusses his new contract, last season's dramatic escape from relegation, and the ongoing Boost The Budget campaign.

Staying On Board Ben expressed his delight at signing a new contract, extending his tenure with Darlington into a sixth season. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "The longer I’m here, the more I love it. The fans, Steve, and Terry have been fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season."

Last Season's Rollercoaster Ben recounted the emotional highs and lows of last season. Initially sidelined and struggling to break into the team, he persevered and played a crucial role in the team's remarkable turnaround. "It was surreal, really. We knew we had a good group of players. Once we got that belief, the confidence came, and we kicked on from there."

The Boost The Budget Campaign As one of Darlington's player-owners, Ben has a unique perspective on the club's fan ownership and fundraising efforts. He praised the fans for their unwavering support and contributions. "Every year, the Boost The Budget campaign just gets bigger. It's amazing to see the fans raise so much, especially given the current economic climate."

With the Boost The Budget campaign closing at midnight on May 31st, Ben emphasised the importance of these funds in building a strong squad for the next season. "Thank you to all the fans. Your support is unmatched and crucial for our success."

Looking Ahead With the momentum from last season, Ben and the team are eager to hit the ground running in the new campaign. "We’re all looking forward to getting back into it. We really want to have a good go next year, and I think we’re in good stead to do so."

Watch the full interview with Ben Hedley on our official YouTube channel.

You can pledge to Boost The Budget here: https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/pitches/boost-the-budget-24-25

At time of writing we're around £11k from a record breaking total and £25k from the target of £175k. Can we make it...?