Source: Northern_Echo
Miller receives top honour
Darlington captain Ian Miller has been named player of the year for the second season in succession. The defender takes the 2010-11 accolade 12 months after receiving the honour at the end of the 2009-10 season, though that was in less vaunted circumstances. Quakers were relegated from League Two last season, but one year on and Miller takes the prize after a campaign which ended with him lifting the FA Trophy at Wembley. He took the honour after a vote between the squad that saw midfielder play-maker Marc Bridge-Wilkinson the runner-up. Miller said: It's an honour. To be voted player of the year by your team-mates is very nice, especially at the end of what has turned out to be a fantastic season for the club. I won supporters player of the year last season, at the end of a very difficult time, so to get this after the season we've just had is terrific. But the results of the poll just show you how much of a team effort it's been. There's a few contenders for it and that's the sign of a good team. Striker Liam Hatch was third with three votes, though the player himself declined to vote as he believed the whole squad was worthy of the honour. * Quakers supporters are being offered the opportunity to watch the club's pre-season friendlies in style at The Northern Echo Arena. Newcastle United provide the opposition on Friday, July 15 (7.45pm kick-off) while Darlington host Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 23 (3pm). Corporate hospitality at the Arena is available from £39.95 for both games. The Ron Greener Suite (based on a minimum of two guests per table) includes matchday seating, a one-course meal, complimentary matchday programmes and official team sheets, and is available for £39.95 per person plus VAT. The Premium Hospitality package, also in the Ron Greener Suite, includes executive matchday seating, one executive parking pass, a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a two-course meal, half a bottle of wine per person, complimentary matchday programmes and team sheets, and costs just £49.95 per person plus VAT. Meanwhile, corporate boxes for the games are available from £450 plus VAT (based on 10 guests). The box package includes two executive parking passes, a one-course meal, half-time tea/coffee, minibar facilities, complimentary matchday programmes and official team sheets. To book any of these packages for Darlington's pre-season friendlies, or for the 2011-12 season, call the sales team on 01325-387000, or email k.sadler@darlington-fc.net