Darren has been a long time servant to the club and carried out a number of roles as he explains. "I Joined the club in 2016-2017 season. Originally my son joined the reserve team and I came to just watch him, but after a short time there was a change in Management with Stevo taking over, so I helped him out and my Hucknall journey started there".

Following that spell in the Reserves Darren moved on to assist the first team. "I Joined the first team in the 2022-2023 season to help with the club's goalkeepers. The role over time has expanded to include Goalkeeper coach, kit man, sub board operator & water boy - everyone needs one!"

During his time with the club he has seen many highs and lows as the club both got promoted and also wrestled with a possible relegation. But Darren remembers mostly the good times.

"Getting promoted to step 5 by winning the step 6 play offs was a huge high with Big Nige's winning penalty against Birstall. Moving to the new ground and that being opened by Mansfield Town Manager Nigel Clough was another, that was a great night with a great turnout. Winning the County Cup in the most bizarre game of football I have ever seen was another high, what a night to be part of"

So after a busy few years Darren has decided to retire from the first team activities and explains his reasons.

"I want to free up some time for myself and the family. My career (day job) takes a lot of my time and after coaching for 20 odd years I need to spend some time away. However I will probably be around for home games in some capacity. I will also remain behind the scenes on the management team but my time in the first team has come to an end. I have met some great people over the years with the reserve team and first team, including management, players and staff from Hucknall and opposition".

Darren has a rare quality in his ability to have been able to work with a number of incoming managers and coaches, all of which have appreciated his skills and attitude to the role.

"In the first team I have worked with three sets of coaching teams and everyone else involved in taking the club forward from promotion, staying in the division, winning the cup and now in excellent hands pushing up the league. The management team in the background who run the club are a fantastic bunch and work very hard behind the scenes. The fans are amazing, really can be that 12th man at times. Overall I have met some really nice people. With Tris, Largey, Louie, Marcus & Owen, the club is in excellent hands".

Manager Tris Whitman commented "I would like to place on record our appreciation and sadness in Dazzlers decision to step down as GK coach at the end of the season.Daz was a massive part of the team and played a fundamental role in helping and supporting us when we first came to the club. He is going to be missed by staff, fans and players alike and is well respected amongst all for the tireless work he does behind the scenes, as well as training and match days. We wish Daz all the best for the future and we’re pretty sure he’ll be down to support whenever he’s free."

Assistant Manager Aaron Large commented "From day one, we knew just how important Daz is to this team. When we first came in and had a chat with him, it didn’t take long to realise the impact he has, both in what everyone sees and, more importantly, all the work he does behind the scenes. Training and matchdays won’t be the same without him scampering around getting a sweat on. Our GK coach, kit man, caretaker, plus a whole load of other jobs that often go unnoticed, he’s been a massive part of everything we do. He’s become a truly valued member of the group and it says everything that the players absolutely love him. Replacing him won’t be easy. All the very best, Daz, enjoy the rest, you’ve more than earned it".

Chairman Bob Scotney commented "I first meet Darren many years ago when he helped run our reserve team then eventually managing them, progressing to first team goalkeeping coach and in his time we have been play off winners along with last seasons senior cup winners. He is also a member of the clubs management team a tireless worker both on and off the pitch and I am glad he's not stopping his association with the club"

Thank you Darren from the whole club and enjoy your time out of football.