QUAKERS’ name will remain as Darlington 1883 after opting not to submit a request to the Football Association to change it for at least another season.

The deadline for clubs wishing to change their name was March 31, and this week both Hyde FC and Farsley AFC were successful in their application.

Following an FA Council meeting on Tuesday, as of next season they will each return to their original respective names, Hyde United and Farsley Celtic.

Both carried their previous monikers for five years, while Darlington have so far spent three seasons with “1883” after their name.

In 2012, when the FA relegated them to the Northern League following financial problems which engulfed the club, they had to change their playing name, with “1883” chosen after coming out on top in an online poll.

However, it is the view of a majority of fans that they would like to see their club drop the digits, something they attempted last year.

FA council members voted strongly against the request, but The Northern Echo understands that while a name change attempt this year would likely to have been futile given the level of opposition 12 months ago, Darlington are likely to try again within the next couple of years and Hyde and Farsley’s success this week offers encouragement.

Quakers officials have monitored developments elsewhere and while moving to Blackwell Meadows remains the priority a further submission regarding “1883”to the FA will be addressed in time.

Meanwhile, Darlington’s programme has won praise in the annual Soccer Club Swop Shop Programme Awards.

The 52-page publication was adjudged to be the best in the Evo-Stik First Division North for the second year running, while it was also ranked third best out of over 700 non-league clubs in the country.

Quakers finished two places higher than last season, beating all the Conference clubs, with Northern League side Marske United first and Rushall Olympic second.

Programme editor Ray Simpson said: “We have a very dedicated team of volunteers who produce some excellent and unique articles which the readers find very interesting.

“I would like to thank all of our contributors, our printers MT Print, our designer, Sarah Carlton at Neon, and our fans of course for continuing to buy it.

“Most of all, I would like to thanks Dave Mills, Laura Drew, Martin Jesper and manager Martin Gray for all their support throughout the season, and indeed the last three years.”

*Darlington’s Under-18s lost 1-0 to Seaham Red Star in the final of the Lady Eden Hospital Cup final at the Hetton. Jordan Skelton headed the only goal of the game from a corner just after half time.