Darlington FC still full of fight claims Jamie Chandler

Jan 1 2012 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

THE threat of administration looms, players have gone unpaid and, in turn, not trained. It threatens to be a thoroughly miserable New Year for Darlington.

Or does it?

Despite off-field problems, Jamie Chandler – “honoured” by the captaincy following the lamented departure of Ian Miller – insists team spirit among the Quakers players remains “fantastic”.

The proof is in the pudding, with four wins and just one defeat in the league under Craig Liddle’s caretaker management.

Darlington host Gateshead at noon today, having drawn 1-1 at the International Stadium on Boxing Day.

Chandler believes his side can put their troubles behind them – for now – and take the confidence accrued from recent performances into this afternoon’s game.

He said: “Off the pitch there is a lot going on but credit to the boys, credit to Lidds and the staff.

“We are all in it together and we are all sticking together.

“On the pitch we are playing fantastic stuff. We deserved a bit more at Gateshead but we are on a good run and we will continue to keep playing the same way.

“Spirits are OK, we have stuck together massively. A lot has gone on off the pitch, which is not the best.

“We are all sticking together and I think that shows on the pitch, with the team spirit we have. It is fantastic.”