Gateshead

It was a joke, I have only been to the new stadium about 5 times, but back when the played at Feethams I went to about 10 games a season. I went to the last Feethams and the first game at the new Stadium (its had so many names, I think its called Northern Echo Darlington Arena or something like that) and the atmosphere wasn't the same already even with the biggest attendance they ever had. The second game they had got rid of the dug outs for extra cash. They didn't even sell the stadium out when Elton John was in concert there.

Lasy season they released all of their players and have to get free ones back. A couple came back but basically they have had to start from scratch, also rumour has it they need £1.7m in the next month otherwise they're gone! Pity!

 

It never rains but it pours!

It must be so odd playing infront of a crowd at 1/10th capacity. A smaller ground would make so much more noise! If I were an uber-rich bloke looking to invest in a 'plaything' (ala Abromovich) I'd look at clubs like Darlington with a good basic setup but no real team to use it. Pump a bit of money into Darlo and they're ready to rise rapidly!

A similar thing happened to Durham with their players, they had to release them all then try and sign them back. The benefit of this I suppose is the new squad is guaranteed to be hard-working and loyal.

 

I agree with what yiour saying, if they do manage to get the money (a few people have been interested) then they have also said that they are looking for a ground closer to the town centre again.

1/10th is about right, only 2 stands are opened on a match day, 1 behind the goal and 1 at the other end of the "dug out". Last time i went the dug out was just the crowd seats at the other side of the stadium. I think we could loan them Perch? Or give Perch to them for free? They might be able to get 500k for him!

 

I think when GR built the stadium he had plans to make Darlington a bigger club with a better team but I think he fell foul of the law or something.

 

I think we could loan them Perch? Or give Perch to them for free? They might be able to get 500k for him!
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Hell we could pay them a few grand to take him off our hands.

 

Does the old ground still exist in any form and probably more importantly, what would happen to the existing stadium? It may have been built prematurely but it's a fantastic ground.

 

Feethams is owned by the cricket team. Unfortunately the last time I saw it (it was a few years ago as well) it was untouched and had bushes and trees where the pitch was. They also sold the Carlsberg stand to another team, Hartlepool I think! Not too sure about the existing stadium, it is a great stadium but would be more suited to Boro than Darlo! Mind Boro wouldn't be able to fill it either!

 

I'd hate to see such a quality stadium go to waste, reminds me of Tottenham's Olympic Stadium plans!

I was just thinking, if Feethams could be redeveloped by a new owner and Darlo were to move back there, the atmosphere would probably return. It saves leaving a trail of failed grounds behind them.

 

The mackems?

 

Depending on how many pubs in Darlington would be showing the match on telly, they may not fill it either!

 

rep'd!

Yeah it would make sense going back to Feethams, you were really close to the pitch, the 'tin shed' was the atmospheric place, I used to be in the terrace though. It was great!

 

Whey fingers crossed Darlo get the investment they need soon and you get out of that hollow ground and back where you can make noise.

Darlo v Gateshead should really be a game being played in League 2.

Anyway I'm off, got a DVD of A-Team and a ham sandwich waiting for me.

 

Gateshead are certainly going forward, but not convinced it should be a League 2 fixtures.

 

Night Moderately Attracted Face!

 

I went to the away games V Blyth and Darlo and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself despite losing at Darlo. We tortured them the 1st half but they more than equalled that in the 2nd half.

Should be an exciting game at the International Stadium which I am gutted to be missing due to work commitments. If the Heed do get to Wembley I'll be joining them down there. COME ON THE HEED!!!!

 

I hope they can reach the final
I want to go to Wembley!!

 

Yeah, the frustrating thing is Newcastle are at home to Birmingham City on the day of the final, and playing in London a week later.

 

A mate of mine played at Wembley in the FA Vase and won it with Diss Town

 

Howay heed

 

If ever there was an excuse for a rearranged fixture. I'm sure there's quite few of us would give the Heed our support!