The club has today appointed the Reverend John Barker as our club chaplain.

John has been a lifelong Darlington fan ever since he went to a game in November 1963 against Gateshead. He was a season ticket holder for several years, until his work in the church took him to Macedonia and Armenia in Europe.

He returned to this country in 2016, and is now the vicar of All Saints Church in Harrow, North London, but he still keeps an eye on what’s going on at the club via our official website.

John immediately accepted the role when it was offered to him by Dave Mills, and said; “I’ve been a Darlington fan for many years, I’ve shared the triumphs and disasters like many others.

“It’s a great pleasure to become the club chaplain, especially in these difficult times when people might need someone to talk to – I’ll be quite happy to speak to those who need help in confidence.”

John has also agreed to help with the Buddy scheme, and to write an occasional column for the official website with a Darlington slant.

We would like to welcome John to the club. If you want to speak to John, drop him a line first on chaplain@darlingtonfc.org. 

All correspondence will be treated with the utmost confidence.