The club has been contacted by one of its former players. Barry Jobson, who was part of the reserve and youth teams at Feethams in the sixties, and wants to catch up with some of the fans and other players at the time.

He wrote in his letter to the club:

A few weeks ago you posted a picture on the club website, reference could you name the six or so former players on the picture from 1969.

My name is Barry Jobson, and I was an apprentice professional at Feethams from 1969 to 1973. I trained with these lads every day. Sadly, three of them are now no longer with us, Ken Hale, Joe Jacques and Brian Albeson. The picture prompted me to contact you, as this period was a great experience for me, and even though I never made the grade in the Football League, I remember the period with great fondness, and some of the players with affection. I was a full back for the club, both left and right, Ray Yeoman signed me, but I could not break into the first team because of one John Peverell, a club legend, and so spent all my time as an ever present for the reserves and the youth teams. I think once upon a time I was the youngest ever reserve team player to play for the second team. I was just over 15 when I turned out away to Murton CW in the old Wearside League! Great memories!

Players like the late Alan Sproates, Billy Horner, Joe Jacques and Billy Thompson were very helpful to me with their advice and coaching. Unfortunately, one of my seasons there was the one where the lads served under four managers in one season, George Tait was the Chairman then, and this had a destabilising effect on the club. I was offered a contract of sorts when I got to 18, I turned it down and could have signed for Halifax or York City as an alternative, but as I did not want to leave home, I chose to pursue a career in printing, joined the Northern Echo, and signed for Bishop Auckland in the Northern League.

Whilst I did not progress, the experience of being with, and playing with, players at this level put me in good stead for the continuation of my playing career.

After a few very successful seasons for the Bishops, I moved south to do a business studies course and stayed down here, playing part time professional for the likes of St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead Town amongst others. I managed to represent British Universities and Colleges at national level. I hung up my boots in my early thirties, stayed in printing and packaging for over 40 years and now enjoy semi retirement whilst living with my wife down here in East Hampshire.

I go back North on a regular basis. My family are still in Darlington, and I follow the club through your excellent website. My cousin is Tom Nutt, the outgoing Mayor of Darlington, and in fact I was up there to see him only a few weeks ago, for the Mayors Ball at the Dolphin Centre! I plan to go back to Darlington in the Summer.

I know this is a very long shot, but I would love to make contact with anyone, either ex players or any fans, who may have known me when I was at Feethams. Darlington is a wonderful club, and as a sentimental sort, I would welcome any contact with any one out there who would want to bother with me!

Of course, I wish the club every success in the National League North and isn’t it wonderful to hear that the team will be playing in Darlington from now on.

Barry, can be contacted by e mail on barryfjobson@btinternet.com