We'd like to thank Parias Commercial Interiors Ltd, who are sponsoring the match, and the matchball, against Harrogate.

The company is based in Milton Keynes, but it has strong links to Darlington, and former director Charlie Parias.

Charlie was a local businessman and lifelong Darlo FC supporter whose grandfather George Paylor was one of the founders of Darlington FC, took the first steps to more serious involvement by becoming a member of the Vice Presidents Club , along with his son , Brian, and son in law Doug Peacock in 1975. An opportunity arose to take up full director status in 1977 and Charlie was duly elected , serving until 1988 when for the best interests of the club he stepped aside to allow the election of a new director who promised an input of funds at a time when the club were yet again on the breadline.

During his time on the Board the club gained promotion, suffered relegation, and very nearly went to the wall - having to be bailed out by a fighting fund organised by The Evening Despatch and backed by the fans and general population of Darlington who at the time were determined not to see the club fold. Highlights were probably ( apart from the promotion years obviously) having his Grandsons as mascots v Rotherham at Feethams , a League Cup visit to Everton, and a third replay against Orient at White Hart Lane - both of which inevitably ended in heroic defeat -- and Brian Clough bringing Notts Forest to Feethams for a fundraiser...........He always claimed to have been instrumental in the signing of Scotland International David Speedie from Barnsley.

Until his death he looked every week for the team's results , and whilst horrified at the way we were kicked down the Leagues for issues that other clubs seem to constantly get away with , was always pleased to see us climb the ladder back towards full league Status. Sadly he did not live to see it come to fruition.

Here's a family photo, taken in the early 90s, of Sandro and Marcus Parias as mascots, with their dad and granddad.

parias family