David Johnston Interview

On the latest episode of the Darlo Till I Die podcast, the Quakers suffer another gut-wrenching defeat as an injury-time winner hands AFC Telford all three points. With the pressure mounting on Steve Watson and his future as Darlington manager looking increasingly uncertain, Matty Bartram and Craig Stoddart help dissect the Telford defeat and ask where it all went wrong. We also take a look at the bigger picture, discussing the growing unrest among supporters, the club's direction and the challenges facing Darlington both on and off the pitch. There's some welcome light relief too, as we feature a Darlington-themed anthem sent in by a young listener, before rounding things off with a quiz! Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

It's the first pod of the 26/27 season, and it's fair to say it hasn't been plain sailing thus far for Darlo!  Returning to the pod is Northern Echo reporter and newly appointed Darlington programme editor Craig Stoddart, who talks about taking on the role this season.  Also making his first appearance is lifelong Quakers supporter Doug Embleton, whose first Darlington game came all the way back in 1954. Doug looks back on more than 70 years following the club, as well as his involvement alongside Shaun Campbell and others in the Darlington FC Rescue Group during the fight to save the club in 2012. The panel also reflects on Quaker’s stuttering start to the new season, including the 2-1 home defeat to Macclesfield, what has gone wrong so far and whether there were at least some signs of encouragement despite another disappointing result. And, as ever, we finish with a quiz, with Craig and Doug going head-to-head for Darlo bragging rights. Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

David Hodgson is one of the most iconic figures in Darlington FC's modern history, managing the Quakers across three separate spells and taking charge of over 400 matches. In this wide-ranging conversation, Hodgy joins Adam Cattell and David Steel to reflect on an unforgettable career that saw him lead Darlington to a Wembley final, battle some colourful owners, experience the highs and lows of football management, and build teams that supporters still talk about today. Among the topics discussed: ⚫ How he first arrived at Darlington ⚪ Rebuilding the club and his football philosophy ⚫ Putting the entire squad on the transfer list ⚪ The famous half-time resignation at Rochdale ⚫ Wembley heartbreak in 2000  ⚪ His penchant for a foreign signing or two!    Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**  

Darlington FC Chief Executive David Johnston joins the Darlo Till I Die podcast for an in-depth discussion on the present and future of the football club. Approaching ten years in the role, David reflects on the club's progress, the disappointment of last season's play-off near miss, and the work continuing behind the scenes to build a sustainable future for Darlington FC. Among the topics discussed are: ⚽ David's journey as CEO after nearly a decade at the club ⚽ Amazon's new partnership with Darlington FC and what it means for the club ⚽ Reflections on the 2025/26 season and missing out on the play-offs ⚽ Summer recruitment and the Jack Maskell transfer to Barnet ⚽ Progress towards a new stadium and the challenges ahead ⚽ Improving the Blackwell Meadows pitch ⚽ The long-term vision for Darlington FC   Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

On the April edition of Darlo Till I Die, Craig Stoddart and Will Hatfield join the panel as we look back on a damaging home defeat to Marine that threatens to derail Darlington’s play-off hopes. We also discuss the much-maligned playing surface at Blackwell Meadows, reflect on the new contracts for Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell, and pick our Player and Goal of the Season. Plus, in the quiz, Will somehow struggles to recall a team that he picked himself…! Enjoy Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

On this month’s pod, Adam is joined by John Vickerman and Wayne Raper as we reflect on Darlo’s 2–0 victory over Bedford Town and the continued playoff charge. We wax lyrical about the red-hot Main and Maskell strike partnership, discuss what promotion to the National League might look like, and even dive into Darlo’s unexpected mention in Coronation Street. Plus, there’s the return of the quiz...this time it’s Played for Both Clubs. Enjoy. Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

Former Quakers keeper Sam Russell joins the pod. Sam spent three separate spells with Darlo and was of course between the sticks that famous day at Wembley in 2011. We chat about his career, from his days starting out at Boro and training with Mark Schwarzer all the way through to an emotional farewell at Barrow. Sammy also chooses his Ultimate Darlo 5 a side team, although he's got one eye on the bar afterwards!  Follow the pod  You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**

Darlo are up and running for 2026 after a 3–1 win against Alfreton at Blackwell Meadows. Adam is joined by Northern Echo journalist Craig Stoddart and Darlington midfielder Will Hatfield, with Will providing an update on his ACL recovery two months on from his operation. We also salute former loanee Charlie Lennon following his move to Barnsley, and, as ever, there’s the customary quiz to round things off. #DTID  📱 Follow the pod You can find us on X, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**    

Darlington were brought back down to earth with a heavy 5–1 defeat away at Oxford City, but all is not lost for the Quakers, who remain firmly in the playoff picture in the National League North. On the December edition of Darlo Till I Die, Adam is joined by Andrew Hodgson and Paul Compton to reflect on a bruising afternoon at Oxford City and assess Darlington’s defensive frailties.  The episode also features an interview with Darlington defender Scott Barrow, who gives his perspective on recent results and the challenges facing the side. With a rare free weekend to reflect, the panel considers what went wrong, what can be fixed, and whether Darlo can steady the ship and mount a serious playoff push in 2026. 📱 Follow the pod You can find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 📧 Get in touch Email the pod: [email protected] ☕ Support the podcast Enjoy the pod? You can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/2rvkzgzbms  Rate & review **Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and helps new listeners find us. Thanks!**  

I’m joined by Craig Stoddart and Michael Price as we look back on a remarkable turnaround in form from Darlo, who made it four league wins on the bounce with a late winner against The Pride to surge into the play-off places. There’s also a quiz...and Stod has revenge on his mind this time around!  Plus, Will Hatfield joins us just two days after his ACL surgery to discuss not only the injury but also his time with the Quakers. A brilliant insight from a proper fans favourite. #DTID