Peter Skipper and Ian Larnach
By Ray Simpson
Two former players pass away
The club is sad to learn of the deaths of two of its former players, Peter Skipper and Ian Larnach.
Former centre half Peter has died at the age of 61.
Peter was signed by manager Billy Elliott in the summer of 1980 from Hull City, and went on to make 88 appearances for us in two seasons, scoring four times.
He never missed a game for us in league or cup in season 1980-81, and he formed an excellent defensive partnership with Kevan Smith as Quakers finished eighth in the Fourth Division, much better than our previous season when we had finished 22nd.
The following season, 1981-82, Peter played in all but one of our games as we finished the season in a creditable 12th.
Peter then returned to his previous club, Hull City, in the summer of 1982, and went on to make over 300 appearances for them over six years – helping them win promotion twice -- before moving on to Oldham, Walsall, Wrexham, Wigan and Stafford Rangers.
Our sincere condolences go to his family.
You can read more about Peter here:
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/tributes-pete-skipper-ex-players-2788718
Forward Ian has also died at the age of 67.
Born in Ferryhill, Ian signed for Quakers in the summer of 1969 and played one season for us, making two appearances and scoring once, before injury ended his professional career with us and he moved on to South Shields and Spennymoor.
When he finished playing, he managed Crook Town, and then returned to Darlington, running our youth and reserve teams.
He also raised over £30,000 for cancer charities after learning that he was suffering from bowel cancer.
Our sincere condolences go to his family.
