The start of the season is approaching quickly, and after six months without a league game, we’re all looking forward to a return to action!

However, just like many aspects of our lives, football is going through an uncertain period because of COVID, and you will have all seen the recent advice from the government regarding spectators at sporting events.

At the moment, clubs in Steps 1 and 2 of the National League system do not have permission from the government to stage matches in front of crowds, although we are hoping that position changes to a degree if there are signs of this current rise in cases decreasing.

When we are given permission by the government and the FA to stage matches in front of crowds, then we will of course be playing them at the Northern Echo Arena – and everyone is looking forward to that, as Alun Armstrong’s team begins a promotion campaign. It will be great for everybody to see each other again! Those games, will of course, be subject to social distancing, and we are currently formulating detailed plans for fans to attend Darlington FC games.

However, the club also recognises that some people will be nervous about attending home games because of COVID, even though we will be taking all the precautions required of us by the authorities. There is also the possibility that we may have to play games behind closed doors, although the National League is opposed to this at the moment.

The board asked the media team to look at live streaming options available but at the same time maintaining the quality of the highlights and Darlo Fans Radio broadcast. The media team worked through a range of options with the aim of producing a service that Darlo fans all around the world can be proud of whilst generating the best possible benefit for the club. “We didn’t want to dilute the excellent work done by Darlo Fans Radio and the camera team, and when we saw some of the live stream options, we felt this is a big downside with automatic and single position cameras,” commented director John Vickerman. “We also want to ensure that as much revenue as possible from the broadcast goes to the club and is not diluted to third party operators.

“We are finalising our platform thus week and through the excellent work of Chris Stockdale, Kevin Luff, Stuart Armstrong and Ray Simpson, a selection has been made subject to commercial terms, and we will announce the final choice in the next few days.”

In our opinion, not only will live streaming provide the club with valuable revenue in these uncertain times, it will also provide fans all around the UK and the world who are unable to attend, with a great chance to watch the lads in action, along with live commentary from Darlo Fans Radio!

We have therefore ordered the equipment, which has a delivery time of around three weeks – and after we have carried out some testing, then we will be ready to launch it. At that moment, we will be in a position to offer online live streaming season tickets and match tickets to Darlington fans. We are also going to advertise some positions to help us run Quaker TV.

We will keep you updated on this exciting new project!

In the meantime, please stay safe everyone.