Investments in the Darlo fundraising initiatives are approaching the £20,000 mark in just 24 hours – and one Darlo fan working in Nigeria 4,300 miles away has made his contribution.

Michael Barrass was on the website within hours of the fundraising initiatives being announced, and like the rest us, he wants to see Quakers playing back in the town.

Michael says; “I’ve been in Kogi state Nigeria for six months inspecting the upgrade of an electricity generating plant. It ends shortly and then a week later I move to Beni Suef in Egypt for another 12 months.

“I contributed to the scheme as I know how important this means to Darlington FC, not only to survive but to improve. Martin Gray has made it clear he wants to progress as high as possible and that is going need extra revenue. I know it sounds a lot, but if 500 supporters can manage 250 quid each, the total is achievable.

“I have been a Darlo fan since the early seventies, travelling with school mates from Newton Aycliffe on the United buses. Not great times applying for re-election but Feethams was certainly special and I admired players like Eddie Rowles (skill) and Ron Ferguson(power) for very different qualities.

“Following Darlo over the years has been difficult, some seasons catching more away than home games. Often catching the scores on BBC World Service was as much as you could hope for. However, Darlo Fans Radio is brilliant (as you know) and You Tube highlights from Kevin I put on in the clubhouse. My German Bundesliga colleagues cannot believe the quality of the games, goalcams etc and that I support a 6^th division team , they even watch the extended highlights to humour me.

“I return to the UK soon for a few days  to renew my visa and of course visit my family in Weardale, but should catch Sutton Coldfield game.”

Many thanks, Michael, your help is much appreciated!