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A brief history of Darlington FC
By Nathan Jackson
August 7 2008
Darlington have been on the verge of promotion for a few years now but it's not always been such a happy ride, the club almost going out of existence a few times. However, they are one of the few sides to be relegated to the Conference and win promotion straight back into the League.
Darlington FC formed in 1883 and joined the Northern League six years later, winning the title in 1896 and 1900. They turned professional on their 25th anniversary  and joined the North Eastern League. The first World War split up play for several years but the club did record a second placed finish in 1919/20 and they won the title 12 months later. This victory coincided with the formation of the Football League Third Division North, Darlington were elected following their title.

Their brief time in the division was a successful one, finishing second and then winning the title and promotion to Division Two. However, they were relegated two seasons later and they spent the next extended spell in the Third Division, eventually becoming the Fourth Division when the Northern and Southern sections of the Third Division merged.

A few promotions and relegations here and there lead to the club almost going out of existence in 1982 before fundraising efforts by the town. Promotion followed in the mid 80s but then two quick-fire relegations saw the club drift into the non-league. However, they returned at the first attempt and also became the first side to win successive promotions from the Conference to what was then known as Division 3. Darlo were relegated the following season and they have been in the fourth tier every since.

George Reynolds joined the club as chairman and promised to get the club in the Premiership, clear the debts and build a new stadium. He achieved the new stadium ambitions, moving the club from Feethams to the Darlington Arena. A spell in administration saw rumours that they would have to move back to Feethams before Reynolds left the club at the end of that season to the delight of most of the Darlington faithful. That was just after Darlo had avoided relegation to the Conference after spending most of the season hovering around the bottom two.

Darlington have since spent several years flirting with promotion, failing in last season's Playoffs despite having a 2 goal advantage going into the Semi Final 2nd Leg Second Half at Rochdale.

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