Last Saturday’s encounter with basement club Darlington was arguably the most straightforward match the Daggers have faced since gaining promotion to the football league two years ago. With a 24-1 shot count, it was only some heroics by Russell Hoult in the opposition goal that prevented a right royal thumping on Steve Staunton’s opening game in charge.
The ex-Republic of Ireland boss must have been left scratching his head and wondering what he’d got himself in for. It was a sad sight to see such a strong side in recent seasons offer such feeble resistance. Just two years ago, Darlo were one (of several) teams to dish out a real footballing lesson in our opening skirmishes in League life. A 3-0 reverse that day highlighted the gap in class between the two sides.
That season, Dave Penney’s Darlington notched up an impressive 6th place finish, with 78 points to their name, finishing comfortably in the play-offs. Only a 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Rochdale in the semi-final prevented them from advancing to Wembley. Instead it was Dale who took on Stockport County with the latter eventually sealing the final promotion spot to League 1.
The 2008/09 campaign continued where the previous one left off; Darlo competing in the upper echelons of League 2. And but for an untimely mid-season ten-point deduction for entering administration amidst financial difficulties, Darlington would once again have finished sixth and had another stab at the play-offs. Instead they had to settle for midtable obscurity, something most Darlo fans would no doubt give their right arm for at present.
It’s no wonder that with financial uncertainty shrouding the Darlington Arena, Penney thought it wise to take up the reins at League One Oldham Athletic in April 2009. Sitting 12th in League 1, Penney is making steady progress at his new club. Yet, the demise of his former club in recent months couldn’t be more marked.
On the plus side though, Darlington re-emerged from administration in August and were able to bring in Colin Todd as manager. With managerial experience at clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City and Derby County, there was perhaps a greater sense of optimism in the town. Yet, as predicted in our season preview, Darlo’s close season uncertainties culminated in a frankly average looking squad being put together. Signing 40-year-old Dean Windass as player-assistant manager demonstrated the depth of their plight.
So with Todd gone, Staunton filled the breach earlier this month. Well aware of the monumental task he faces, the new manager has at least moved quickly to bolster the ranks. Despite some criticism aimed at Noel Whelan’s performance last week, (yes, he looked a tad out of shape) his positioning and awareness of team mates was impressive for this level. A first half injury cut his afternoon short though. The outcome of the game was perhaps inevitable but his presence would have given the Daggers defenders more food for thought had he stayed fit.
But when your luck’s out, it’s out. Whelan’s departure at two goals down spelt the end for his side. The once effervescent Kevin Gall looked a shadow of his former self, and Staunton will have his work cut out to instil some much-needed confidence in his players.
Yet, true to form, just as you write an article about a club’s recent shortcomings, they go and pull off a shock win! Yesterday’s 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town was particularly impressive given that Town have shed some of their away-day vulnerabilities this term. That said, it’s a long road to recovery for the north-easterners who will require many more days like that to get themselves out of trouble.
