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Darlington have issued a rallying cry to supporters to “go again, together” after falling short in their National League North play-off push.
The Quakers have set a Boost the Budget target of £180,000 for the 2026/27 campaign, after raising £181,600 last year, with fans contributing more than £1.1m to the playing budget over the past nine years.
In an emotional statement, the club admitted: “This one hurts. No point pretending otherwise. We came closer than we have in years. We believed it.”
Despite the disappointment, Darlington insist there is no need for a rebuild, highlighting a “core… that’s shown it can mix it with anyone” and backing the leadership of Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell to take the next step.
“At a club like ours, there’s no reset button. No parachute payments. No safety net. There’s just us,” the statement added.
Supporters have been urged to play their part once again, with the club stressing that every pound raised goes directly into strengthening the squad.
“Your backing is what turns that into a real chance of going up. Not a guarantee – football doesn’t do guarantees – but a proper shot.”
Reflecting on the past season, the club pointed to memorable moments on and off the pitch, from “wins that lifted the roof off the Tin Shed” to the traditions and matchday rituals that define Darlington.
“That’s Darlo… Not a league position. Our club. The one we kept going when nobody else would.”
The message ended with a clear call to action: “Back the club. Back the manager. Back the players. Back each other… When Darlington pulls together, we’re a different animal.”