By Martin Walker
Paul Arnison has revealed he and several other players have turned down offers to go to other clubs in recent weeks to repay the unflinching support of Darlington fans.
And the Quakers troops want to do their own fundraising bit for the proposed community club by organising a Race Night, sponsored by Screentech, at the Northern Echo Arena after the Stockport game on Saturday.
Tickets for the social event go on sale from Monday morning, priced £10 each which includes a Pie and Peas supper – they’re available from the club’s main reception – with all proceeds going to Darlington FC 1883 Ltd.
Arnison says he and Graeme Lee came up with the idea after they were “blown away” by the support of Darlo fans.
The full-back says he was offered a chance to go to Blue Square Premier rivals Wrexham after Quakers were placed into administration last month.
Other players, including Lee, were also offered moves away – but Arnison says the players want to repay supporters for their faith.
“They’ve just been unbelievable,” says the former Newcastle defender.
“Most clubs have great fans, but I’ve never known anything like this in football before, and most of the lads have said the same.
“Everyone has their own lives to lead. People have their own families to support, mortgages and bills to pay, and yet when Darlo Uncovered try to raise £150 to pay for a pre-match meal, they end up handing over £7,000 at Barrow.
“How can you describe how that feels? We’ve all been blown away by it. They’re continuing to raise thousands, and tens of thousands through the shares issue.
“Not many clubs in the country would achieve what they have in the last couple of months. I keep saying they’ve been fantastic, but words aren’t enough to sum it up.
“It has kept the lads going, without a doubt. A lot of the players wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the fans and Lidds.
“I had a chance to go to Wrexham, other lads have had offers, but there’s something keeping us together and it’s the supporters.
“The Race Night is just to show the fans that we want to do our bit for the new club, and repay the faith they’ve shown in us.
“At the end of the day it’s their club. When we’re finished playing and moved on the club will still be here, thanks to them.”
All horses have now been sponsored, but the players are still looking for a number of raffle prizes, while there’ll also be an auction.
“We’ve had some great support from other clubs,” added Arnison.
“We’ve got signed shirts from Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Manchester United, Boro, QPR, Fulham, Stoke, Swansea, and a few others!
“There’s also a framed photo of Sir Bobby Robson with Gazza and a few other bits and pieces so we should raise a few quid.
“The main thing is that we have a good night and enjoy it. All the lads will be there, so it should be a good chance for us to chat with fans and relax after the Stockport game.”
The Race Night is being held in the Ron Greener Suite from 7pm on Saturday, with the first race at 7.30pm.
There will be eight races, including two auction races. Winning bidders get a corporate box for a game of their choice, while winning horse owners get a players’ match-worn shirt of their choice.
There are only 150 tickets for sale, which are available from the Arena main reception from Monday morning.
