Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our netcafe with manager Tommy Wright.

We’ve received plenty of questions on different topics and Tommy will do his best to answer them in the time we have.

If you want to ask Tommy a question, drop him a line on media@darlingtonfc.org

The DFCSG's Raise the Roof campaign is still going on, if you'd like to contribute, check here.

http://darlingtonfc.co.uk/raise-the-roof-2/

Adam Cattell

Tommy firstly welcome back to Darlo, my question is do you feel that living in Leicester and commuting to Darlington for training and matches will prove problematic?

Answer

Hello – thanks, Adam (and thanks everyone for the warm welcome back that you gave me and Alan!)

No, I don’t see it as problematic. I’ve come out of a full time club into a part time club, but I still class this as a full time job because of what it entails.

This is my sole employment, and I intend to spend a lot of time at the club and give the job all my efforts.

The club has just opened an office in the Dolphin Centre, and it’s in a perfect location for people to go to. I came up early on Tuesday afternoon and chatted to a few supporters and had a wander around. I believe that I’m a really approachable person and I’m happy to chat to supporters and be as transparent as possible when circumstances allow. I’ll give people honest answers.

Since I’ve changed jobs, I have more time to research our opposition and watch videos of past games. I’ve watched quite a few Darlington matches from earlier in the season, so I have an idea of what has gone on before.

I fill my travelling time in quite well. I have a hands free phone in the car, and I speak to other managers, agents and players on my journey to and from Darlington. It really is a full time job.

What sort of scouting networks do you have in place? Have you and Alan identified any targets you wish to add to the squad?

Answer

Yes, we have identified players that we would like to bring to the club, that is something that is ongoing anyway. We are in the process of making new signings, hopefully we should be able to announce something soon when they’re completed.

I’ll be relying on Whitey to look at players as well, but I have good strong contacts at the local professional clubs. For example, I know Robbie Stockdale at Sunderland, Peter Beardsley at Newcastle and Craig Liddle at Middlesbrough in the north east. I believe that I am well-equipped in terms of contacts.

We are also going to appoint a chief scout in the very near future.

Paul Hodgson

Are there any players in the Reserves who you think can step up to the 1st team? James Beauchamp for example?

Answer

Yes, I think there are some players in the reserves whom I believe can step into the first team squad, and I will take a closer look at them – Jack Vaulks, Dale Milburn, Vinny Steel for example.

At my previous clubs, I’ve never been afraid to give youngsters a chance if I feel that they are up to first team standard.

(Paul – please check this link to a story Tommy did on the website last week about giving reserve and youth team players a chance)

http://darlingtonfc.co.uk/tommy-will-give-youth-a-chance/

[caption id="attachment_37139" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tommy in action at Wembley in 2011[/caption]

Michael Barrass

After a hectic start to the season playing two games a week , and seasons before playing more than once a week our fitness always seemed first class; can you perhaps explain why several team players over the last month seem to be lacking pace, blowing hard and hands on hips at half time?

Answer

I thought we were very lethargic against Brackley last Saturday, and it wasn’t the performance or the result that we were looking for. Some players underperformed.

I thought the fitness was fine in the previous two games that I saw against Bradford and Blyth, so I don’t want to judge the players on just the Brackley game. I’m sure they’ll be chomping at the bit for the game at Kidderminster this Saturday.

Roy Elliott

It is clear from the Brackley game where all the opponents were over 6 foot and physical that a team based on this attribute will do well in this league.

At the moment our squad is lacking height and physical presence in most areas on the pitch -  do you feel this has to be a priority in choosing players to bring into the squad in the near future.

Answer

In recent games, Gary Brown and Mark Beck are two lads, who are 6’2” in height, have been missing, and they are lads who the fans have got used to. But I don’t think the absence of height is the reason why we have lost two games on the spin.

Our game plan in those games was to play entertaining and attacking football. It worked quite well in the first 45 minutes against Blyth and then in the second half we were punished for our mistakes.

In the Brackley game, we were too lethargic in several areas of the pitch, and I don’t think that was down to the lack of height.

Our new signings – when they’re completed – will hopefully provide some height, but I look for more than just height in a player.

Peter Haygarth

Are you still based in the Midlands? If so, are you able to commit to always being able to travel to midweek training sessions plus other non-matchday business?

(Please see answer above)

How big do you feel the task is of squad building / re-building?

Answer:

I don’t think the rebuilding job is all that big. I’ve watched the 90 minute videos of the first five games of the season, and that was when the team was at the top of the table. If you look at the starting line up in each game, it was virtually unchanged – it was soon after that when players started to pick up injuries, Chris Hunter, Gary Brown, Mark Beck for example.

Last season, this was a squad that reached the play offs, but after the first five games, it seems to have lost its confidence a little.

I believe that we need three or four new faces to freshen up the squad, and we’re working hard to bring them in. I have spoken to several players since I took over, and had loads of calls from agents and players. It’s a matter of bringing in players of the right quality and attitude within the budget I’ve got. Sometimes the dressing room and the fans need a new face or two to give them a lift.

Do you think the current budget is sufficient to build a squad capable of competing in the play-offs?

Answer:

Yes, I do. The directors and I have talked about the budget, and have told me that I can spend some of the money that we have recently received for the outgoing players.

I believe that with a couple of good additions to the squad, we can still reach the play off positions.

Colin Legg

Congratulations on the new post! Hope it all works out! My question is in regards to the play-offs! Is it still a reality that we can actually get a winning streak going again and get back fighting in the play offs? At the moment it looks like a relegation battle unfortunately?

Answer:

Definitely, yes, I believe that we can still make a push for the play offs. We need to correct this poor run of results and rediscover the form that we had at the start of the season. The fact that the play off positions go down to seventh is a big incentive for us.

I am in the process of signing some new players who hopefully will strengthen the squad and help us to push for the play offs. When the signings are completed, then we will announce them.

George Mitchell

Are we close to signing any replacements for Beck and Bartlett?

Thanks

Answer:

Please see the answers above

Paul Cooper

1. What will the funds raised in transfers be spent on?

2. Talk on social media and discussion forums suggests the funds will be used to consolidate debt, is this true?

Answers to the first two questions as supplied by the directors:

The funds from transfers will be used both for bringing in new players and paying off the debt.

3. What efforts are you making to retain the rest of the squad and safeguarding the club’s interests? For example, will you be reviewing release clauses in players contracts to ensure any clauses triggered, the club remains in the best financial position possible? Remember, Martin Gray has knowledge of all minimum release clauses and he’s already signed a couple of our players.....

Answer: There are no players now with release clauses in their contracts.

However, bear in mind that release clauses are fairly commonplace throughout the game – for example Neymar had one when he moved from Barcelona! I’m of the opinion that Mark Beck wouldn’t have joined Darlington last season if he didn’t have a release clause in his contract, because he wanted to return to full time football. If a manager wants a player to join a club, then sometimes he has to agree to a release clause as part of the deal. There are plenty of players in the National League who have release clauses if a full time club or a Football League club come in for them. It’s a risk that a club has to take, it’s all part of football.

4. Moving forward, how will we replenish the players lost? Will you be looking at the Northern League for possible replacements or focusing on youth to bring through to the squad?

Answer:

I’m in the process of signing new players at the moment. As for bringing in new talent, we will look at different areas. We have some very good young players in our Under 19s, reserves and other youth teams, and if they are good enough then I will consider putting them in the first team squad. We’ll look at the local leagues as well.

I did a piece for our official website last week about my willingness to include young talent.

5. Do you fancy registering as a squad player and scoring a few goals?

Answer

No way! The last time I played a full 90 minutes at this kind of level was when I played for Corby when we won the Southern League the 2014-15 season. I made a couple of sub appearances as well that season, but nothing since then for either Corby or Nuneaton.

I’m nowhere near match fit, I don’t have anywhere near the appetite that I used to have in order to play, and it would be massively disrespectful if I made an attempt to play again. Plus, it’s very tough being a player-manager at any level of football.

6. What is the management’s aim this season given the recent player departures?

Answer:

This has already been answered above

7. Do you think you’d be able to secure any solid loan signings from league clubs? For example, Middlesbrough or Sunderland?

Answer:

This has already been answered above

8. Can you call on any contacts / clubs to help us out in any way?

Answer:

Yes, I have lots of contacts throughout the game, as hopefully will be demonstrated soon by our new signings.

From: Adam Sutcliffe

Tommy, firstly welcome back to the club. When the interview process had been concluded, the DFCSG reported that they'd been impressed with your vision for the club. What is your vision.

Answer: Thanks Adam.

My (and Whitey’s) vision is:

• To take the club back to the Football League
• Improve the infrastructure at the club
• Bring on the promising youngsters and give them experience when I can
• Play entertaining and attractive football

Secondly, what was the reason that you stopped playing at a pretty young age?

Answer:

Circumstances really. I had an opportunity when I was at Corby to become a coach and then manager, and I decided to concentrate on that part of football.

By the way, if you fancy some hospitality next Saturday for the Tamworth game, then please drop Joanne a line on joanne.cameron@darlingtonfc.org

The questions are coming in thick and fast, bear with us!

From Warren Moncur

Hi Tommy

I know you are obviously looking to bring players in but it's not easy!! But I don't understand why a lot more of the under 19s and under 18s and poss reserve team players aren’t getting involved and tested in and around the 1st team especially with us been short in numbers and certain positions at the moment, I am not saying shot straight in the team but training and maybe in the squad on occasions. Some of the lads have performed at their level for a couple of year now and maybe need to be looked at and brought into the men's game with hopefully our 1st team players bringing them through to the next level??

Answer: Thanks, Warren.

I’ve covered this topic above, but just to emphasise I will look at players for the first team if I think they’re good enough to include. Some youngsters, like Dale Milburn, Jack Vaulks, Vinny Steels are already training with the first team.

We’re going to arrange a couple of friendly matches soon at which we will have a close look at some of the talent that we have in the club.

From David Collinge

Q:  At Nuneaton, you worked hard with the club to organise a full-time education / scholarship for year 11s.  Is this something you think would be desirable or even financially feasible at Darlington or would we be better looking at loans from the big 3 established NE academies as part of a farm arrangement?

I wish you every success

Answer: Thanks, David.

The club is looking at setting up its own academy with an education provider in which finance is provided by the government.

The one I was involved in at Nuneaton was very successful in many ways, and I’d like to think that we can replicate that at Darlington.

Tim Hickman

One thing that’s frustrated me over the years is our failure to what it seems to be able to acquire/attract young talent, looking to make a name for themselves, through loan signings from the local big clubs (Newcastle, Boro, Sunderland etc.) Is this a market you’ll be looking into given it’s possibly a cheaper option as to bringing in someone permanent on a contract? Obviously providing the right player is available and we can attract them here?

Answer:

Thanks, Tim, I think I’ve covered your question in the answers above, but we are looking to strengthen our relationships with the big pro clubs.

Ruth Hetherington

Really happy you have come back tommy as you were a favourite of mine.My question is what made you decide to go into management?

Answer

Thanks Ruth, it’s nice to be back. Even when I was a player in my mid 20s, I wanted to get into coaching and then management.

I remember when I was made captain of a team after I left Darlington, I wanted to go further. So I took my coaching badges, and it just seemed a natural progression from then on to go into coaching roles and then management

Steve Bishop

Congratulations on the role.

Couple of quick questions:

As a leader, what's one of the key qualities you've looked to develop since your playing career?

Answer: Thanks Steve,

I think one of the qualities I’ve tried to develop is my integrity, which is massive in a dressing room. I’ve always tried to relate to players, and having been in plenty of dressing rooms, I know how important it is that a manager is open and honest with his players. I think a player respects a manager more that way, even though he might not like what he hears.

What's your favourite memory as a player for Darlo?

Answer:

This maybe isn’t a surprise, but playing and winning at Wembley. As I said in the programme recently, I wasn’t even in the squad for the second leg win at Gateshead, and it was only when a couple of lads got injured and Liam Hatch moved from centre forward to centre half, that the chance of playing again arose. I played a few league games near the end of the season, but I didn’t feel sharp enough – which was why I missed a couple of chances in the final! I really thought I was going to score with that diving header near the end, I couldn’t believe it when the ball went wide.

Still, I set up the winner for Chris Senior – there’s not many people who can say their last touch as a player for a club was to hit the bar at Wembley!

It was a great day, a great occasion, and most of all, the support was fantastic. I’ve watched that goal over and over again, as I’m sure many others have.

Matt Knight

Is there a reason the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and ‘Boro appear so reluctant to send any loan players to us? In my opinion this has been a criminally underused resource over the past years. 1 or 2 young lads of decent quality could be huge.

Answer: As I’ve explained above, I know some of the people at those clubs, and I’m looking to build on those relationships, as well as those at other clubs. I know that Darlington have brought players in from those clubs in the recent past, so hopefully we might be able to get some more. Joe Wheatley, of course, was with Boro last season.

We're in extra time!

Cameron Liddle

With the play-offs looking like a big ask this season, will the FA Trophy become a priority along with consolidation in the league?

Answer:

The play offs aren’t out of the question as I’ve already said, but a Trophy run is massive. The Wembley triumph has had a big positive effect on me, and I have massive respect for an FA trophy run. Every season I say to my players how much it means to play at the home of football – and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that somebody from our division could get to the final, it’s not long since North Ferriby were there

Ashley Lawrance

From the managers you have worked under as a player, what have you learnt from them and from that what methods or management techniques of theirs have you added to your own in the way that you manage a team?

Answer

I’ve learned all sorts over the years. I’ve seen how to do things, and how not to do things. I’ve been a in a dressing room when the teacups were smashed against the wall, and to be honest, I switched off when that happened and I’m sure the other players in the dressing room did as well.

I’ve also been in a dressing room when the manager has said all the right things, and I was ready to run through a brick wall for him.

I like to think that I’ve built up some solid experience since I became a coach and then a manager, that I can utilise well here at Darlington.

Jonathan Boyle

First thing it’s great having Tommy and Alan back at the club.

My question is about transfers. At this level of the game how do u find out about potential players? Is it talking to other managers, agents, other players etc Is it the internet, word of mouth? Secondly what made you go into management? Thirdly do you have a mentor or someone to contact when you need a second opinion?

Answer:

Thanks Jonathan.

I find out about players from all sorts of sources – yes, I speak to other managers, players, close friends, contacts at other clubs, but I also keep an eye on team line ups (to see who is and isn’t included), videos of matches. I’ve had lots of agents on to me about players offering to send me video clips. I get e mails, texts the lot! There are many, many ways to keep in touch.

I’ve answered the question about management earlier

There are several people that I go to for advice, in particular Nicky Adams, who was my first boss at Leicester and then later at Port Vale, and Steve Beaglehole, who was my Under 19 boss at Leicester and is now the Under 23 manager there.

Ron Bradshaw

Would like to say you and Alan were both very highly thought of as players for Darlo and I am certain you will both be equally thought of as our management team and we are all rooting for you especially as things have got off to a difficult start with the loss of 3 players and another 2 key lads out injured.

Just a couple of questions.

• With you being based in the Midlands for a number of years, do you have any links with our local clubs with a view to players becoming available.

Answer: Thanks Ron, for those kind words.

I think I’ve covered that question above.

• Quite a few of our fans appear to have written this season off already and are happy for us to survive, get the ground completed and go for promotion next season, using the remainder of this season for team building.Do you go along with that or are you hopefully bringing in some new signings and still go for the playoffs.

Answer: I am still hopeful of reaching the play offs, especially with the new signings that I’m hoping to announce soon. I am also hopeful of having a good Trophy run, I can’t wait for the draw on Monday.

• How many signings are you looking to make.

Answer: At least two, hopefully more, but I’m always looking to improve the team regardless of what's happened this week, just like any other manager

• Do you expect any other players leaving without naming names?

Answer: You can never say never about players leaving, because it depends on circumstances. A manager may leave a player out for some reason, the player spits his dummy out, and then a couple of days later wants to leave.

A manager may receive a very good offer for a player, or he may have the opportunity to bring a player in, which means one might have to go in order to ensure that he stays within his budget.

Nearly done, folks, we're working through the final questions, Tommy is on a call.

Stuart King

Are you anticipating further departures in the days to come?

Answer: I’ve covered this question earlier

Steve Brown

Hi Tommy,

What's the latest position on new signings, given the recent departure of 2 very good players in Mark Beck and Adam Bartlett?

Answer:

Thanks Steve, I think I’ve covered that one with the answers above.

Tony Swales

When did you last play and do you think you stopped too early?

Thanks, Tony, I think I’ve covered that one above.

what formation do you  prefer to play?

Depending on the opposition and the players available, I like to play 4-3-3 or 3-5-2. I had great success with 4-3-3 at Corby when we won the Southern League, and 3-5-2 last season with Nuneaton

Mark Oliver

Welcome home! Wish you had scored in normal time at Wembley but it would have cost Ray a title of a book 😃

Was it an easy decision to come back when you knew Darlington wanted you and did you  or the board suggest whitey as the no2?

I wish you all the success going forward

Answer: Thanks, Mark

When I knew that Darlington’s interest was serious when David Johnston came back from his business trip, then the answer was easy. I have a very strong affection for this club, I had two great spells here as a player. I didn’t want to leave first time for Aberdeen, but the club needed the money. The second time of course, ended with the Wembley win.

Whitey was always my choice as number two. I’ve known him for years since we played together and always kept in touch with him.

He knows our players from having played with them not so long ago, and the lads know what he’s about. And he’s got a huge amount of experience as well, more than a lot of people.

Plus Whitey and I are two like minded individuals, who both want to do well at this club.

The final question.....

Steve Caisley

Welcome back. It's been a tough start but hopefully you and Whitey can take us to the next step.  Our future lies in getting good players in for bargain prices and reasonable wages.

Do you have an idea of the type of players you want and can attract ?

Answer

In a word – winners!

Thanks everyone for the questions, hopefully Tommy has given plenty of good answers! Thanks also to Tommy for giving up his time as well.