The club is sad to report that former keeper John Hope has died. He was 67.

Shildon born John was one of the youngest ever players to appear in a Darlington shirt when he made his debut at Brighton on 26th April 1965, at the age of 16.

He started his career as an apprentice at Feethams, and was part of the squad that won promotion in 1965-66, although he never played a game that season. He made ten more appearances for the club before joining Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Hartlepool.

After leaving the pro game, he played for several Northern League clubs, and then he managed Stockton and Willington in that league.

He was also involved in coaching, and he returned to Feethams in a coaching role in 1994 when Alan Murray and Eddie Kyle were in charge.

His sons, Chris and Richard, both also played for the club.

John, who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, attended the player reunion for the launch of “Darlo’s on the Up” last year, with close friend Eddie Kyle by his side. He had a great afternoon renewing old acquaintances.

Eddie said; “John was a great lad, and was determined not to let the disease get him down.”

The club would like to pass in its condolences to John’s family.