Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell have been in charge of Quakers for exactly a year — here, Max O'Hara and Harvey Richards look back

The Start

On the 31st December last year, after a poor start to the season, Darlington announced the appointment of Steve Watson as manager. At the time Darlington sat 23rd in the division with just 19 points from 24 games,  eight points from safety.

On the 2nd January 2024, Terry Mitchell was announced as Steve’s number two.

The first signing under the new regime was the loan signing of Scott Barrow on the 5th January, who had previously worked with Steve at Gateshead and York City.

Their first game in charge came against Kings Lynn Town on the 6th January, when Mitchell Curry scored in the 92nd minute to give Darlington a winning start under Steve and Terry. Scott Barrow played his first full game in 18 months and earned Man of the Match honours.

Unfortunately, it took some time for consistent form to develop, with five of the next six games being losses. The exception was a 2-0 win against Hereford on the 27th January, when new signing Matty Cornish, who had left Marske United when they folded a few weeks previously, scored a late goal to secure the win. In the days prior, the announcement of Cedric Main's signing excited Darlington fans, as he debuted against Hereford, setting up Ben Liddle for the opening goal.

The turning point came on 17th February, in the away match at South Shields, who were ninth in the table. Quakers were 23rd and in desperate need of a win.

An early red card for South Shields’ captain Robbie Briggs for denying Cedric Main a clear goal-scoring opportunity shifted the momentum.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when Will Hatfield headed Darlington into the lead. Goals from Cedric Main (76’), Kallum Griffiths (88’), and Mitchell Curry (90’) followed, resulting in a 4-0 victory and a clean sheet debut for loan signing Matty Young from Sunderland.

From that point, the Quakers remarkably won nine of their remaining 14 league matches -- including a memorable 4-0 thumping of promotion contenders Scunthorpe -- ensuring survival and avoiding relegation. The 13th April game against Farsley Celtic secured Darlington’s safety, with goals from Jake Lawlor, Aidan Rutledge, and Cedric Main.

Before the final match of the season, both Steve and Terry signed new two-year contracts, solidifying their future with the club. When they joined in January, the team was 23rd, but by the season’s end, Darlington were 16th with 56 points.

The Summer

Steve and Terry wasted no time strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window.

• Jack Maskell joined for an undisclosed fee from Dunston UTS, having impressed in the Northern Premier League, including a hat-trick in the NPL East playoff final.
• Fan favourite Scott Barrow returned on a one-year deal after his successful loan spell.
• Goalkeeper Pete Jameson, released from Harrogate Town, brought experience to the squad, having played in League 2 and the National League. He had previously been with the club in thei Northern League and Northern Premier League days

The team had an impressive preseason, with trialists performing well and strong results against higher-league opponents Doncaster Rovers, Harrogate Town, and York City.

After successful trials, the club signed Elliot Forbes, Alex Payne, Jonny Haase, and Archie Small, as well as Joe Leesley, who had played for Kidderminster and Scunthorpe the previous season.

This Season

This season has been a mix of highs and lows, with injury issues affecting the squad. Captain Tom Platt only recently returned after recovering from a damaged tendon ligament.

The first win of the season came in the fourth game, with a brilliant Will Hatfield finish earning the Quakers a much-needed victory over Leamington.

In the FA Trophy, Darlington beat Buxton in the second round but lost 3-1 to York City in the next round at the LNER Community Stadium. Despite the loss, the team and fans gave a spirited account of themselves.

The year ended on a high note with a thrilling 4-3 Boxing Day win over Scarborough -- their seventh game in a row unbeaten -- leaving the Quakers in a strong position heading into the second half of the season.

Currently, Darlington sit 10th in the table, just one point off the playoffs and seven points off the top, a testament to the transformation under Steve and Terry.