A captain's leadership in Darlington's hour of need (From The Northern Echo)

A captain's leadership in Darlington's hour of need

7:04pm Friday 30th December 2011 in Peter Barron By Peter Barron

IF Darlington Football Club is to survive, it will require passion and leadership.

Quakers' captain Jamie Chandler displays those qualities with an open letter to chairman Raj Singh in tomorrow's Northern Echo.

We will be publishing Jamie's letter on Page 1 under the headline: 'Dear chairman, please don't let this be the end of the Quakers after 128 years.'

In his letter, Jamie rightly praises Mr Singh for what he has done for Darlington FC since saving them from administration two years ago.

He acknowledges the undeniable fact that the businessman has invested a lot of his own money in keeping the club afloat. He underlines the hard work he has put into the club, and credits his role in Quakers lifting the FA Trophy last season.

He also says that Mr Singh does not deserve the criticism he has faced from some fans on internet message boards. I echo all those sentiments.

Jamie goes on to ask the chairman to hang on in the hope that the club can make it to the play-offs and possible promotion.

He tells Mr Singh that even one more month may be enough for a buyer to come forward.

"One last bit of generosity and you will leave the club a hero," he concludes.

Well done Jamie Chandler - it's good stuff.

I sincerely hope that the game against Gateshead on Sunday is not last time Darlington Football Club plays at The Northern Echo Arena.

Here's hoping for a big crowd to show there's life in the Quakers yet.