Northern Echo wroteDarlington Football Club are making a return to the Northern Echo Arena for two friendlies against Sunderland and Newcastle as they prepare for the new season.
The games will be Darlington's first in their home town for some time after playing their home matches at Heritage Park, in Bishop Auckland, for four years.
Both Sunderland and Newcastle will be playing a select 11 from various squads but have indicated they will be fielding "strong teams".
The Quakers will play a Newcastle United X1 on Saturday, July 16 (3pm kick off), and then a Sunderland XI on Tuesday, July 19 (7.30pm kick off) at The Northern Echo Arena, now home to Darlington Mowden Park RFC.
John Tempest, Director of Darlington FC commented; ‘‘We’re delighted to have secured both Newcastle and Sunderland who will form a key part of our preparations for the new season and our fundraising initiative. We welcome old and new fans in what will be our first game back in the town. We’ve worked closely with the Northern Echo Arena staff, to whom we’re very grateful, to attract the fixtures that we hope will showcase both the club and the town.’’
Lee Rust, Managing Director of Darlington Mowden Park, said; ‘’Following the success of events such as the Premiership Rugby 7’s, the All Blacks and the Internationals, our facility team has continued to work hard in establishing the Arena as a venue for high profile sport. We’re pleased to be providing a platform to welcome all three sides in July and we’re hopeful to soon announce another significant sporting fixture for this summer.’’
Tickets for both games will be priced at £10 Adults and £6 Concessions (U16, Over 65, Armed Forces and Students). A combined ticket can be bought in advance for £15 Adults and £10 Concession.
Tickets can be bought from Quaker Retail in the Dolphin Centre and at The Northern Echo Arena from Friday 8th July. Due to an expected high demand supporters are advised to purchase well in advance.
On-site parking at The Northern Echo Arena will be limited and on a first come first serve basis. Parking permits are priced at £2.
Corporate Box, Hospitality and Match Sponsorship packages are available.
(03 Jul 2016, 12:40 pm)MrFozz wrote In other news
Darlington are making a return to the Northern Echo Arena for 2 high profile friendlies this month.
I would urge football fans in the area to get along if they can, whether your Darlo, Newcastle, Sunderland, even if your neutral...
Newcastle and Sunderland have indicated they will send strong teams for the games...
I just hope it does not turn out like the last time we played Newcastle at the Arena when Newcastle fans caused trouble ?
Darlington making return to Northern Echo Arena for friendlies against Newcastle XI and Sunderland XI
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
(03 Jul 2016, 1:02 pm)Adrian wrote The George Reynolds arena, do you mean?Don't use language like that around me [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]
(07 Jul 2016, 5:36 pm)Michael wrote Club capture experienced goalkeeper....What a signing for the smogs
Middlesbrough have completed the signing of World Cup winning goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Valdes, who has signed a two-year contract with the club, becomes the fifth signing of the summer, following Viktor Fischer, Bernardo Espinosa, Marten de Roon, and young central defender Jordan McGhee into the club.
http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2016/m...73509.aspx
(20 Jul 2016, 5:25 pm)MrFozz wrote Whats peoples thoughts for Sunderland Job...My choices would be either/or
David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Roberto Martinez, Harry Redknapp or Manuel Pellegrini
Some outsiders Marco Van Basten or Jurgen Klinsmann
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
(21 Jul 2016, 8:04 am)Michael wrote Lets hope haha
(21 Jul 2016, 8:17 am)Andreos1 wrote People were raving about Allardyce and his management skills last season, saying it is one of the reasons he got the England job.I agree with you there mate...
Whilst his motivational skills may be up there, I'm not convinced about his tactical nous.
He didn't improve his win percentage in the 30 Prem League games he was in charge of Sunderland (it was 33% when he arrived) and based on that original percentage, relegation was always going to be close - unless he turned things around drastically.
In the end, he only won 9 out of 30 games - a lower percentage than he averaged throughout his career.
I think it was only the problems at Villa and the likes of Steve McClaren at Newcastle that kept Sunderland up.
Assuming Allardyce maintains his average win percentage whilst in charge of England, we won't be at the next World Cup.
(22 Jul 2016, 6:32 pm)Tom wrote Steve Bruce gone from Hull, wonder if he'll go to Sunderland?
(22 Jul 2016, 6:33 pm)Michael wrote Liverpool have signed Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/1...-newcastle
(22 Jul 2016, 11:13 pm)Andreos1 wrote http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36865814
Stagecoach seat covers inspire football strip design
![[Image: 489e36f4f1393ded3c4342f0101873ee.jpg]](http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160720/489e36f4f1393ded3c4342f0101873ee.jpg)