Change revives famous old name
TO SAY Darwen FC is a name with football pedigree is an understatement – and now it's coming back!
AFC Darwen were formed in 2009 after the original club was wound up, but they've decided this is the perfect moment to revert to the old name, and are hoping it's the start of a new era.
The Lancashire club was originally founded in 1870.
Darwen went on to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1880-81. In addition, they played in the Football League from 1891 to 1899 before slipping down the ladder.
Some of those early pioneering days were recalled in a Netflix mini-series, The English Game, a couple of years ago. But now the Salmoners are eager to write some new chapters to add to their illustrious past.
Chairwoman Sarah Hindle said: “I've been involved for ten years in various roles and, as a committee, we have always wanted to go back to the original name, go back to our roots. It's been in the pipeline for the last couple of years.
Huge
“A lot of people don't realise the history of the club and to go back to the old name is huge for us. We're also trying to talk with the Lancashire FA and the FA about getting the club's history and heritage back.”
Hindle admits she has been bowled over by the response to the name change since the news first broke ten days ago.
“It's been amazing,” she said. “Social media went crazy, with lots of nice, positive messages. We are changing the badge and everything. It's a really exciting time and it's fantastic for the club and town.
“We are the town team and it's letting people know there's a local football club and facilities here for the community. We aren't in the town centre, we are off the main road so we are perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Darwen.
“We want to encourage people to come down, play or watch football and socialise.”
The Salmoners have labelled their fresh start ‘A New Dawn' and it's not just the name change that has lifted spirits at the Anchor Ground. Hopes are high that a plush new multi-function room will be ready to open around October time.
Fantastic
“We have been building the club and the football side of things, and there's a new building going up,” said Hindle. “We thought it would be a nice time to get the name change over the line and we are lucky that we have a fantastic facility and club.
“We have 26 teams affiliated for the coming season and the junior teams come down and watch. It would be nice for all the family to have a day out here.”
On the pitch, Darwen are determined to improve on last term's 17th place finish in North West Counties Division One North. A climb back to the Football League may be asking a bit too much, but promotion next term could put the seal on their new adventure.
“You always want to do that,” added Hindle. “We didn't have the best season last season, but we're hoping next season is the one for the club to get promotion.”
