IT’S been a busy week in the world of Darlo. FA Trophy progression, AGMs, talk of a return to the town and the second part of the insight in to how Salford City beat us to the league title last season.

Having been away last weekend, I didn’t get to the Trophy game. Beforehand, I’m guessing not many will have predicted the back and forth struggle required to make it in to the hat for the next round.

With suspensions and injuries affecting the options available to Martin Gray, there was a slightly unfamiliar look to the team. Fortunately, with strength in depth, we managed to overcome Mossley. As those attending the week’s AGMs will be acutely aware, finding new income is crucial; the £2,700 prize money for the win is a welcome reward. Sadly, that wasn’t matched by the draw for the next round; a tough looking trip to Sutton Coldfield Town.

Monday night saw the Supporters Group AGM take place at the Dolphin Centre. With the Supporters’ Club, Trust and CIC amalgamated, I can’t help but feel confident for how the supporters’ group is moving forward, especially with respect to the corporate directorship of the football club. With Martin Jesper leaving the club, I have every confidence that John Tempest and his team will help Dave Mills take the club forward.

One of the key pieces of information to come out of the Supporters Group was the progress being made in discussions between the football club and Darlington Rugby Club. With a return to the town being vital for the club’s future development, news that discussions are progressing well is a major bonus. Hopefully, we might have a chance of kicking off next season back in the town where we belong.

With further details of the discussions between the two clubs coming out following the football club’s AGM on Thursday night, attention was turned to the TV with the second part of Class of 92: Out of Their League.

I’ve got to admit I actually enjoyed the two programmes. Whilst there were some exaggerations to add drama to the programme, it was fascinating to get an insight in to how Salford City is being run. To suggest they defied the odds to secure the title was a touch disingenuous to their title rivals considering the substantial financial backing received from their celebrity owners.

After all the distractions of this week, I’m really looking forward to getting back down to league action on Saturday at home to Buxton. This is the fourth time we will have played the High Peak side in the last three years and, despite having dominated possession in all three previous games, we’re yet to secure victory against them. Let’s hope it’s fourth time the charm.

Finally, with Martin and Karen Jesper moving on to pastures new, it would be remise not to take the opportunity to thank them for the work undertaken. Volunteering to lead a football club in the way Martin Jesper has is not easy. All the hours, effort and stress for no tangible reward. Footballers may have come and gone; they wouldn’t play unless they got paid and yet the man who ensured they did didn’t get anything back himself. If I think about our best signings since dropping down to the regional leagues, Martin and Karen Jesper are right there at the top. Thank you and good luck for the future.