TITLE RACE IS DARLO’S GRAY AREA
Don’t write off Quakers
DARLINGTON 1883 boss Martin Gray reckons TEN teams have a shot at the National North title – and the Quakers are one of them.
Last year’s march to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier title marked the phoenix club’s third promotion in four years, all under ex-Sunderland midfielder Gray.
And despite heavyweight competition from the likes of Fylde, Halifax and Kidderminster, the 44-year-old is in no mood to put the brakes on yet.
“People tell me that last year’s Evo-Stik was as hard as it’s ever been,” said Gray, who took charge in May 2012.“But we got out of that, despite competition from five or six very good sides.
Justice
“This year, I believe there’s a good eight to ten who could realistically win the title. That’s the standard we’re up against, and we’ve got to make sure we’re one of them.
“After all the success we’ve had, I’ve got to believe we can do it. Anything less wouldn’t be doing justice to the club.”
Nevertheless, Gray has urged supporters to temper rampant with memories of the club’s humble roots.
“I’d just say ‘Be realistic’,” he added. “Is it realistic to expect us to challenge for a place in that top pack? Yes, I think so. But, at the same time, you have to remember where we’ve come from.
“Five years ago, when the old club folded, we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have a team, a physio, a manager, a ground, a budget. All we had was a fanbase. Since then we’ve had three promotions and done fantastically well.
“To be in this position is great but expectation can’t run riot. That’s why I say we should never forget where we came from.”
Darlo’s rebirth will take another giant leap when they return to the town following four years exiled in Bishop Auck expectations land. Work is underway at Blackwell Meadows – home of Darlington RFC – and the Quakers hope to be home by Christmas.
“We’ve had a lot of success at Heritage Park, but there’s nothing better than having your own ground in your own town,” said Gray. “It’s massive for the club.
“We’ve had great backing these last few years but, with all the success, we know that gates would have been even better in Darlo. That’s why it’s imperative we keep things rolling.”
Experience
With that in mind, the club have been boosted by the arrival of Josh Gillies from Gateshead.The former Carlisle and Cambridge winger is dropping down to Step 2 for the first time in six years and Gray says his experience will be vital. “To get that calibre of player is great for us,” he said.“It’s like when we signed Phil Turnbull this time last year. He’s got the right mentality, the right kind of experience and the quality to improve the side. He’s exactly what we were looking for. “We’ve got our eye on another one or two that may sign before the start of the season. They’re around the club and we like what we see. If there’s a possibility, we’ll definitely be doing something. But I trust the lads we’ve got. If we kicked off tomorrow, I’d be very happy.”