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, but this time the problems proved terminal. Darlington FC was liquidated in 2012 with a new phoenix club, Darlington, rising to take its place at a level well below the Football League. For clarity, Darlington Forge Albion's results are included alongside those of the original Darlington FC.