Darlington Football Club was founded in 1883 and were early opponents of the fledgling Hartlepools United in the North-Eastern League days. Following the end of the Great War, both clubs were invited to join the Northern Victory League but the Quakers, in dire financial difficulty, were unable to do so. A local works side, Darlington Forge Albion, stepped in to take their place. The team was managed by Mr JB Haw, the landlord of the Forge Tavern on Albert Hill. Haw recruited old professionals and did a lot of work at the Feethams ground. In 1919 he changed the name of the club to Darlington FC, and in 1921 they entered the Football League alongside Pools. Financial turmoil hit the Quakers once again early in the 21st century with costs associated with running their overlarge stadium proving a heavy burden. After entering administration, the club was demoted to the Northern League and the Quakers found themselves playing outside of their hometown under the name of Darlington 1883. They won three promotions between 2013 and 2016 before the FA approved their request to change their name back to Darlington FC. For clarity, Darlington Forge Albion's results are included alongside those of Darlington FC.