Joyce Rumney, 86, to be club's oldest mascot

Joyce Rumney, 86, has been chosen to be the mascot for today’s (Saturday, April 16) game against Stamford.

She began her love affair with the Quakers in 1944 as a 15-year-old, when she was persuaded by a work colleague to join her at Feethams one Saturday afternoon, and that was all it took to get her hooked on the football club.

“I was so keen that I couldn’t wait to spend some of my 62p-a-week wages to buy some new zip-up sheepskin boots purely to keep my feet warm,” she said.

Seven decades later, despite no longer being able to support the club from the terraces, she uses the internet to make sure she never misses a single result.

Mrs Rumney said the highlight of her 72 years supporting Darlington was the club’s 4-1 extra time victory over Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1958.

“I was working in the tax office at the time, so when I went home for lunch, I put the radio near the phone and left the line open.

“That way, when I got back to the office, I could listen to my home radio broadcasting the match.”

Vanda Miller, Mrs Rumney’s daughter, said: “I promise you there is no bigger fan than Joyce. She haunts the club’s website and follows every kick of the ball.

“She will be keeping her eyes, fingers, toes and knees all crossed that they achieve promotion.”

Taking over the ownership of a post office in the 1970s with her husband, Ken, did not prevent Mrs Rumney from following the Quakers on a Saturday afternoon.

“When the post office closed at 4pm, I would race to Feethams to catch the end of the game.”

Ray Simpson, Darlington FC communications and media manager, said: “We think it is fantastic that Joyce has followed Darlington all her life, and we hope that she thoroughly enjoys her afternoon.

“Many people have fond memories of her and Ken from the club’s days at Feethams, and it would be terrific if she celebrates another promotion with us.

“Hopefully she’ll bring us plenty of luck and help us to three valuable points.”