Source: Northern_Echo
Darlington teenager in line for award
Darlington's fledgling star Corey Barnes is in the running for a prestigious national football award.[LNB] The 18-year-old is one of three young players shortlisted for League Two's Apprentice of the Year title at the Football League awards.[LNB] Barnes will battle it out with Chris Brown of League Two leaders Rochdale and Kyle Haynes of Cheltenham Town for the title that will be announced at a gala ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Sunday March 14.[LNB] The Sunderland-born youngster earned praise from Steve Staunton earlier this season after switching successfully from his accustomed midfield position to a right-back role.[LNB] Barnes played in Quakers victories over Shrewsbury Town and Burton Albion at The Northern Echo Arena this season and made his debut in the 1-0 home win over Notts County just under a year ago.[LNB] His nomination for the award is recognition of the work done by Darlington's head of youth Craig Liddle who has been instrumental in overseeing Barnes' first team breakthrough.[LNB] The teenager grabbed the headlines last November following the victory against Burton when he was named as the sponsors' man of the match for subduing the threat of the visitors' winger Jimmy Phillips.[LNB] But rather than leave the Arena clutching the customary bottle of champagne the then 17-year-old Barnes was instead handed a bottle of Coca-Cola as his prize.[LNB] Meanwhile, fans are being asked to submit their questions to be used at the club's Question of Sport evening taking place on Thursday, February 25.[LNB] Ex-Quakers star Kevan Smith will host the event, with past players taking on current stars in the Ron Greener Suite at the Northern Echo Arena.[LNB] Liddle will captain the explayers team, assisted by Neil Maddison and Kevin Stonehouse, while the modern-day team will be skippered by Ian Miller.[LNB] To test the players' knowledge supporters are asked to email questions on the subjects of the World Cup and Darlington FC to Damon Shaw, the club's liaison officer.[LNB] Any questions that are used will be credited. Email your posers to damon.shaw@darlington-fc.net.[LNB] Quakers are aiming to hold regular fans' nights, on or around the last Thursday of every month, with a different theme each time, providing they're well supported.[LNB] Tickets for next week's event cost £5, which includes food, and can be bought in advance from The Northern Echo Arena reception, by calling 01325 387000, or email commercial@darlington-fc.net[LNB]
