Shaun reaches a century in charge
By Ray Simpson
![Shaun reaches a century in charge](/storage/8788/conversions/Shaun-MacKenzie-large.jpg)
Women's team manager achieves landmark
This Sunday, Women’s first team manager, Shaun Mackenzie will take charge of his 100th competitive game for the club when Darlington F.C Women welcome Darlington Spraire Ladies F.C to the Eastbourne Community Stadium.
Originally, Shaun’s previous role at the club was with the Youth Section as the Girls Development Officer. He played a major part in expanding the girls’ section and after a proposal to the board, was given the task of recruiting a side to compete in the Durham FA Women’s League.
After recruiting a strong side, a promotion was granted to League One before a ball was even kicked. Mackenzie’s first competitive game in charge of the team came on the 5th September 2021 in a 4-2 victory over Durham United FC Women. Chloe Bright opened the scoring in the 15th minute and went down in history as the first Quaker Woman to score a competitive goal for the club. Sophie Curle added a hat-trick in the game which kick started a 14-game unbeaten streak to start the season undefeated. It was actually Sunday’s opponents, Spraire who ended that run with a 4-1 victory at Hummersknott.
Darlington finished the season in 4th place in their first season on 45 points from a 24-game season, just 6 points of promotion in their debut season. Mackenzie’s second season in charge was plagued by injuries to key players, but they still managed a respectable 5th placed position in the 2022/23 season.
Last year, Shaun led the team to their best ever finish to date, coming Runners Up in the Durham FA Women’s League One, finishing on 41 points from 20 games. Despite finishing in 2nd place, promotion was denied and only the team at the top of the table was promoted into the NE Regional League. The Quaker Women also fell short in the League Cup Final, losing 3-1 to a good Birtley side. Nevertheless, it was still Darlington’s most successful season since forming.
As things stand, Darlington currently sit in 3rd place on 26 points this season from 14 games. They will be looking to make it 29 points this weekend and stretch their latest unbeaten run of 5 games to 6 if they can beat their local rivals Darlington Spraire.
As well as always competing in the Durham FA League at the right end of the table. Mackenzie’s side have also enjoyed some decent cup runs since in the past 4 seasons. As well as making it to the League Cup Final last season, Darlington also have a League Cup Semi Final and County Cup Semi Final on their record, with the silverware always alluding them in the final stages.
They have also had 4 excellent FA Cup runs under Mackenzie’s stewardship. Reaching the Third Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup on 3 separate occasions. Knocking out teams from higher tiers and memorable away trips to Farsley Celtic and AFC Fylde.
Overall, Shaun’s teams have won 58 of the 99 competitive games played, giving him a win rate of 57.42% as manager. They have drawn 12 games and lost 29 times in that time.
Darlington chief executive officer David Johnston said; “Shaun has been a great ambassador for the women’s game at Darlington FC since he became manager over four years ago.
“Not only is he highly respected by our own players and staff, he is also well regarded by coaches, officials and players at other clubs, and has always conducted himself in a professional manner.
“Promotion to the next level has so far alluded the team for various reasons, but Shaun works tirelessly with the players to improve, and hopefully promotion will come our way with his guidance and the help of the rest of the coaching team in the near future.
“We look forward to Shaun taking charge of another 100 games at least!”
Shaun said; "I am very proud to have led the team out for 100 competitive games. Darlington Football Club is my home town club and from day one, I have been grateful to have been given the opportunity to put DFC on the map in the women’s game. We started that journey for years ago and have built a solid foundation to keep going. For as long as I am in charge, we will continue to strive for better things and keep improving and progressing as a team.
Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Shaun on his achievement.