Fulham’s Dan Burn has made an undisclosed donation to try and help his former club Darlington.
Centre-back Burn (pictured) made 14 first-team appearances for ‘Darlo’ during two-years there as an Apprentice.
He made the switch to West London in the summer on a three-year deal but has been dismayed by the events of this week which almost saw the Quakers go to the wall.
Darlington were given a temporary stay of execution yesterday with administrators agreeing a £50,000 deal with the DFC Rescue Club to keep the them alive until the end of this month.
Burn is now hopeful that a buyer can be found to safeguard the long-term future of the football club but admits he has been feeling for his former team-mates – many of whom he is still in close contact with.
“It’s been horrible to see what’s been happening at Darlo,” said Burn.
“Obviously I’ve got a lot of friends there so I’ve kept in touch with what’s been happening. A lot of the players at the club are more than capable of playing at a higher level than the Blue Square Premier so to hear about people not being paid since October is terrible.
“Some of the lads, team-mates of mine last year, especially those with young families and other commitments are really struggling with the club falling on hard times.
“With that in mind I felt it was right to pass on this money knowing that it will go towards helping some of those players.”
Burn’s donation to the ‘Darlo Uncovered Fighting Fund’ will help pay for players wages over the next fortnight but he isn’t the only former Quaker to contribute.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale, a current team-mate of Burn’s has also made a cash payment to the fund.
Stockdale, who made 54 appearances for Darlington between 2006–08 has also pledged to donate the proceeds from his own personal fundraising attempts to sell off signed football memorabilia.
His and Burn’s efforts to help the Quakers through these dark days has not been lost on Fundraiser and Fans Spokesman, Scott Thornberry, who runs the Darlo Uncovered fan website:
“After Darlington went into administration the fans rallied round and decided to try raise money for the players who weren’t getting paid,” said Thornberry.
“It soon became apparent that our plight had touched the hearts of football fans around the country and donations have come pouring in which is very much appreciated.
“What has been brilliant is the fact that two of our former players have also chipped in and not forgotten their old club. David Stockdale and Dan Burn have been great. The thing about both of them is that they didn’t want any recognition for helping us. I had to actually message Dan to check the donation was actually from the Dan Burn that used to play for Darlo!
“Stocky has continued his efforts by selling off some Fulham signed memorabilia, all off his own back. If that money comes in it’ll boost the fund by a further £2000.
“As fans we know that players move on to bigger things, it is always nice to see and as a lower league club that is how we survive.
“To see these guys now turning round and helping us out when we hit trouble has been fantastic,” added Thornberry.
