To some younger Darlington supporters Bernie Slaven is perhaps better known for his long-running role on The Legends radio phone-in, but he finished his senior football days at Feethams.

After a very successful time with Middlesbrough, Slaven had almost a year at Port Vale before then Darlington manager Alan Murray brought the Scotsman back to the North-East.

However, aged 33 when he signed in March 1994, Slaven’s best days were behind him and he was unable to repeat the heroics that made him a crowd favourite at Ayresome Park. He’d scored 119 goals in over 300 appearances for Boro and also played for the Republic of Ireland.

But he did net nine goals for Darlington, including the only goal of the game on the final day of the 1993-94 season at home to Bury. In trademark style, he celebrated by standing on the fence behind the goal, just as he used to at Ayresome Park. Slaven also netted in 3-1 FA Cup win at Hyde United the following season, a victory that gave Quakers a tie at Carlisle United in the following round. He is pictured up against Carlisle’s Richard Prokas in that game, attempting to keep the ball in play during a 2-0 loss.

[caption id="attachment_12147" align="alignnone" width="166"] Bernie Slaven[/caption]

He left Darlington before the end of the season and joined Billingham Synthonia.

[caption id="attachment_12146" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bernie Slaven at Billingham Synthonia[/caption]