Quakers View

Darlington fan and editor of the Quaker's vital football website talks unproven Staunton, dismal Colin Todd and mysterious Raj Singh...

How do you think the arrival of Steve Staunton will affect the game on saturday?

Staunton picked a very tight compact side for the away game at Dagenham last week and if he picks the same sort of team this Saturday, Quakers will have very little width in the side and few creative players to call upon.


Is he the right man for the job or just a big name?

Personally I wouldn`t have given the job to an unproven club manager no matter how big a name though now he has been appointed he needs the support of every fan or we could end up in non league football next season.


So, what will the final result be?

I hope we can scramble to 22nd place by the end of the season, our squad isn`t as bad as out total of 2 points would lead you to believe.


What can Town fans expect of The Darlington Arena? Surely it must be a strange atmosphere in such a large ground?

Its one of the 'nicest` grounds in League 2 but we generally we have no atmosphere at home games due to the stadium being only a tenth full at best. For those fans who enjoy visiting different lower league grounds with character there is nothing to get excited about at the Arena.


What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

I`ve fancied you to get promoted the last couple of seasons and still feel you could go up this year as the loss of Grant Holt doesn`t seem to have affected you too badly and I rate Paul Simpson as a decent boss.


Where do you think we will finish?

4th or 5th


Do you have any players that we should fear facing?

If Jamie Devitt plays the young Hull City winger can cause problems for any League 2 defence however Staunton surprisingly left Devitt out of the team last weekend.


Are there any we should look forward to playing?

If David Knight were to play in goal he could well gift you a goal or two but unless Russell Hoult picks up an injury or gets recalled by Notts County then Knight should only be on the bench.


What are your expectations for Darlington's season now?

22nd at the end of season, got to cling to optimism


Tell us the story of your season so far. No wins? Was Colin Todd leaving a good thing?


Todd`s squad looked reasonable on paper and we underachieved majorly during his time at the club. Our dismal record under Todd had to lead to his dismissal as the club cant afford to drop out of the football league.


What do you know about Raj Singh?


There`s not a lot of information about him, he`s a Teesside businessman who seems to have sensible views on how the club can move forward. He wants us to live within our means rather than go for broke like we have done under previous regimes.


Why are you called the Quakers?

As the Quakers church was prominent in Darlington many years back.


Thanks to Chris Mackenzie.