March back must be measured

But soon came Darlington 1883, a club hoping to return them to the Football League and they now look to be well on their way after successive promotions. After winning the EVO-STIK NPL's Premier Division championship last month, the Quakers are moving on to the National League North, one step closer to re-entering the professional leagues.

Despite their third promotion in four years coming after a 7-1 win over Whitby Town, there’s little time to celebrate, with big things both expected, and wanted for 1883.

In the first of a new series of articles looking at the football industry, here’s how the North East's Quakers can achieve their dreams and ambitions to grow back into the force they once were ...

Firstly, thanks must be given to manager Martin Gray for building the long-term success they’ve been enjoying. However, they must realise that it’s only going to get tougher and that he might struggle at times as he and his team continue to find their feet at new levels.

Saying that, the former Sunderland player has English Premier League and Football League experience and plenty of Non-League coaching experience, so he’s the man to continue their success and make their dreams come true. They must bide their time with him if things go pear-shaped and if their success continues, they'll need to keep him away from the Football League sides who'll be sniffing around for his managerial services.

When Darlington FC suffered it’s end in 2012 the fan-owned 1883 vowed to build a team to be proud of once again, one that is being tipped by bookmakers like Betway to enjoy continuing success. They're certainly doing that, as Gray says: "I'm very proud. You fall in love with the club the longer you're here.”

The club must use its success to both attract lesser-known players and big-time players that have Football League experience. A model lower-league club is St Neots Town who've had recent success by signing ex-Football League players.

As the saying goes, “Fake it to make it” and don't forget Darlington still holds a reputation within the English game. Many players will also want to play under an ex-English Premier League player like Gray and for a team that continues to overcome the odds and taste glory. The club appears destined for a place in the Football League again one day, and players will want to be a part of what will be an historic run.

It’s also vitally important for the club to continue building connections with their fans, with well over 1,000 supporters now getting behind them on a regular basis. As their march up through the leagues continues, many old fans will be back too and they will be able to expand their squad, boost their facilities and start living like the professional side they once were.

Burnley, albeit a Championship club but one now bound again for the Premier League, have built a brilliant model, and one that has sealed their return to the England's top flight in good shape. Darlington should try to be the Non-League Burnley and keep looking to put their finances first.

Their demise would have never occurred if they hadn’t been mismanaged, and although they’re hungry for glory, a business-like approach must be taken. Look at Burnley where manager Sean Dyche has seen his team make a profit to banish their financial troubles while still enjoying success.

He insists: "We've balanced the books and been successful again. I couldn't be more proud. People have been having a real go this season financially, putting money into it.”

So Darlington must never make that mistake again. Although they’re still a million miles away from where Burnley currently are, they can bide their time and learn from their successes in their quest for Football League football.

While the team will want to enjoy its success, they must remember that they’re aiming for far bigger things, a return to the Football League. With it being a few seasons away whatever happens, they have the time to make it a reality the right way.

Stability, thinking of the fans, backing and keeping the manager, and watching the budget will allow their rapid rise to continue. If they can remember that patience is key, Darlington will rightfully return to the professional ranks.

Images courtesy of Ray Simpson/The Northern Echo

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