Episode 2: Meeting the squad


Welcome to Episode 2 of "A Darlington Dynasty" in which we meet the team that greets us as the new manager of Darlington. We also profile the two of the three "star" players outlined as the club's best at the start of the game as well as a former Leeds midfielder who was at one stage labelled the new David Batty.

We have at our disposal the following squad prior to making our forays into the transfer market:


The squad features three players that at one stage, had experience of playing in the Premier League. We're hoping this experience will stand the rest of the side in good stead for the campaign ahead.


Formerly of Southampton, Maddison has played alongside Matt Le Tissier and is seen to be the experienced head in midfield that the team needs. At 31, he is probably in the peak stages of his career and probably could play at a higher level. Safe to say, we might have to fend off a few transfer bids throughout the season. I will be looking at him to impose himself on games and make of the team tick.


Broke into the Leeds side at the age of 20 and was seen by Leeds fan as the natural successor to David Batty who had moved to Blackburn Rovers a couple of seasons beforehand. However, Ford failed to become a regular fixture in the Whites line up and being only 25: is now trying to resurrect a career here at Feethams. Will be expected to play a tenacious central midfield role, allowing the more creative ones freedom.


The younger of the two Brightwell brothers that appeared for Manchester City in the late 80s and early 90s. However unlike his brother Ian; David was hardly a regular at Maine Road although he did get a runners-up medal as part of the 1988-89 squad which also featured players such as Paul Lake and David White. Since then he's had a nomadic career but like Maddison, could be an experienced head needed to get us promoted.


Other players worth noting: Paul Heckingbottom (former trainee at Manchester United), Craig Liddle and Andy Collett (both ex-Middlesbrough) and Brian Atkinson (ex-Sunderland). The squad has 28 players in it but we'll be hoping to add few additions before the big kick-off against the Gulls. Next up, we unveil our pre-season schedule.

Location: 22 Woodrow Gardens, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7WG, UK

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