Our opening game at Blackwell Meadows was sponsored by Drew Clarkson and his family from the USA.

Even though he emigrated to the USA as a young lad, Drew has closely followed our fortunes.

“I grew up near Bishop Auckland and moved to the USA when I was 8. Over the years, I always paid attention to how well Darlington FC was doing in the league especially those close calls in the promotion playoffs some years ago.

“For a lot of years now, I've been frustrated by selfish owners across football who put their own interests ahead of  their clubs and their fans. That was a key driver which culminated in 2012 with Darlington being moved into the Ebac Northern Premier League. In 2012, the DFC community could have simply accepted their fate or they could have dusted themselves off, started from scratch and climbed back up to where this club should be.

“Respond is exactly what everyone at this club has done and since 2012 Darlington FC got itself a few more fans for life in the USA. Darlo Fans Radio, DFC social media coverage and Kevin Luff's highlights are fantastic and we've enjoyed so many big matches and three promotions from afar over the past four seasons and change. The long awaited move back to Darlington at Blackwell Meadows is wonderful for the Club and the Clarksons are proud to be sponsoring the first league match here.

“There is much work to be done as we fight for promotions and there will be highs and lows as Darlington FC gets back to where they were and possibly beyond. For a club and group of people that truly epitomizes my favourite saying "life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond" that can't be too far off. To Martin Gray and the coaches, all the amazing players (including the ones that are no longer here but contributed so much on the journey), the volunteers who've made us feel welcome since we showed up for our first match last April and most importantly the fans, here's to an amazing 2017.”