Darlington assistant manager Terry Mitchell has shared his insights on a busy summer behind the scenes, the importance of Boost The Budget, and why the coaching staff believe next season’s squad can make a genuine push for promotion.

In an in-depth interview with Stuart Armstrong, Terry reflected on the current phase of squad building and the excitement and challenges that come with it.

“It’s a bit of everything — exciting, frustrating, full-on!” he said. “We’re constantly on the phone, in meetings, on Zoom calls, speaking to players and agents. Some players are still in contract until the end of May or June, so we have to be patient — but we’re really hopeful about the lads we’re targeting.”

Keeping the core

With several key players already confirmed — including Ben Hedley, Kallum Griffiths, Toby Lees, Will Hatfield, Tom Platt, Will Maddison, Cedric Main and Jack Maskell — Mitchell stressed that the focus is now on adding quality rather than quantity.

“We’re very close. We’ve already got a strong core and we’re in talks with four more from last season — conversations have been really positive,” he said. “If we keep them, we’ll be adding four to six players maximum, plus some smart loans.”

He emphasised that supporters shouldn’t expect a full squad overhaul this summer.

“It won’t be seven or eight new faces. We’re looking at a squad of 16–18 with some younger players stepping up too — the aim is to build on what we’ve got and keep progressing.”

Strong loan partnerships

Terry also highlighted the club’s developing relationships with Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and others — relationships that helped secure successful loans such as Will Flint last season.

“Flinty was a fantastic example — it worked well for us and for Doncaster,” he said. “It’s all about building trust with these clubs. If we treat young lads well and they get good game time, it opens doors for future loans.”

Targeting the Play-Offs

Looking back at last season, Terry believes the team was close to where he and manager Steve Watson want it to be — despite injuries at key times.

“We were in the play-offs at one point. Injuries and too many draws cost us, but we’re very close. It’s not about starting from scratch — we’re evolving,” he said.

As for the goal this season?

“100% it’s the play-offs — and promotion is what we’re all working towards,” he added. “That’s the expectation we put on ourselves.”

Praise for Boost The Budget

Mitchell also paid tribute to the incredible backing from supporters through Boost The Budget.

“Absolutely magnificent,” he said. “I used to watch from afar and thought, wow — what support! Now being part of it, I can’t thank the fans enough. Every penny makes a difference — the more we raise, the better players we can bring in.”

“Without Boost The Budget, we wouldn’t have been able to get key players in previously — it’s massive for us.”

Pre-season on the horizon

Pre-season training will officially begin on Thursday 3rd July, with six out of seven friendlies already scheduled.

“We’re looking forward to it — the planning is well under way. We want the lads to be as fit as possible and ready to go for the big kick-off on 9th August.”

Boost The Budget closes soon — every pledge will help Terry and Steve put the strongest possible squad together for 2025/26.

👉 Click here to pledge