In his second column for the official DFC website, chief executive officer David Johnston updates us on DFC matters.

It was great to address a meeting of all the playing and non-playing staff last week before the first pre-season training session at Peterlee as it was the first time I’d met some of them and it gave me the opportunity to introduce myself.

I explained a few things; particularly what my role is at the club in terms of strategy and development within a sustainable financial model, and what the club expects during this coming season – and that is promotion and a good FA Cup run.

I have had several meetings with different people since my last column a fortnight ago, and I’m happy to say that I’m making progress on a few fronts. I’ve spoken with the club’s accountant, and with his help we are planning for the next division. Part of that plan is the development of budgets – both income and expenditure – and how we’re going to achieve them. To not prepare now, would be planning for failure as the Conference League creates a whole new set of challenges.

There is a however, a clear funding gap which we need to work on if we’re going to sustain the club in this league and the next league up, and there are limited options on how to achieve that.

Improving income is a collective effort, everybody needs to do their bit – hence the title of my piece “Developing the future together.”

Shirt sales have gone well – thanks to everyone who has bought one and to the volunteers for running the club shop – and now that the fixtures have been issued, now is the time to buy a season ticket if you haven’t already done so. As with previous seasons, if you want to sponsor a player’s kit, then the opportunity is there – please check our website for details.

If you have a season ticket, then you’re guaranteed entry to all-ticket league games, and there’s almost certain to be a couple of those this season, especially considering that York, Spennymoor, Blyth and Harrogate are all in the same division as us.

Obviously, the more revenue the better as it helps the club achieve its aims, and so when the season starts, it would be great if everyone continued to buy club merchandise, the club programme and 50/50 tickets.

We’re also trying to encourage local businesses to buy advertising boards around the pitch. the ground perimeter, on the website and in the programme, so if you would like to advertise your business, drop our commercial team a line on commercial@darlingtonfc.org.

We’ve got seven league games in August and another five in September plus at least one FA Cup tie, so it’s going to be a hectic start to the season. We’ve got Salford and York; two of the promotion favourites in the first four games, so maybe it’s a good time to play them whilst they’re bedding a new team together. Away points from those fixtures will be a real bonus and set the team off to a good start. Regardless, I’m sure Martin will have our lads ready and we are aiming for a positive start to the season.

Don’t forget that our pre-season friendly schedule begins this Saturday at Shildon, with the biggest game being the home match against a Newcastle side at the Arena. We haven’t had confirmation yet on who will be playing for Newcastle, but we believe that they will be fielding plenty of players who have got first team experience so keep an eye on our website for details. Admission to the game is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Finally the pitch at Blackwell Meadows is coming along nicely, and we’re conscious of the fact that we have two home games lined up in the first week of the season, so we might have to consider requesting a switch should the weather be uncooperative!

Overall, it’s been quite a busy last fortnight – and I know from talking to people around the club that life will get even busier as we get closer to the start of the season!

Thanks for your support.

David