Frank Gray is pictured on the attack during Darlington’s penultimate match in the 1989-90 season, a 5-1 win over Cheltenham Town on April 28, though Quakers would have to wait a week before clinching the GM Vauxhall Conference title (writes Craig Stoddart)

Two days after beating Cheltenham at Feethams, Darlington went to Kidderminster Harriers and were moments away from earning the point they needed to finish first, Gray scoring a penalty and John Borthwick also on target.

But a late Kidderminster winner meant Darlington needed something from the last match of the season at Welling to beat Barnet to the sole automatic promotion slot. It was secured thanks to a 1-0 win, Gary Coatsworth scoring the goal.

Former Leeds United left-back Gray dropped down to the Conference to become Brian Little’s No. 2 and he became a cornerstone of the defence for two title-winning seasons.

He scored nine times in 103 appearances, before becoming manager when Little left for Leicester City in ’91.