David Stockdale speaks to the Quaker matchday magazine. This article was orginally printed in the Darlington v Notts County programme on August 25th.

Darlington goalkeeper David Stockdale feared his professional career could have ended before it had even started. The twenty-one year old was released by York City last year and with few prospects on the horizon the shot stopper went to work on a building site. York's loss is most certainly Darlington's gain.

Following a recommendation from former Darlington player David McGurk the young keeper received a phone call from Quakers' goalkeeping coach Andy Collett inviting him to come into the club. Stockdale did enough to impress and was handed a deal. This was extended during the summer by manager Dave Penney.

"Andy Collett rang me up and said he'd like me to come in. I did well and I feel if it wasn't for him then I wouldn't be in this position now. He has improved me 110% and now that Andy Oakes has come in he has helped me with his wealth of experience. He has guided me along and I feel with them two here even if I am not in the side I can learn a lot from them," said Stockdale.

"It was funny how it all came about really, to go from York City to a building site and then up a division is a strange one. I would like to show people at York City what they missed out on. It is all about opinions but I am out to show people what I am about. I thought it was the end of my professional career to be honest because I didn't even have an agent. I was really lucky, everyday is a blessing."

Stockdale made his Darlington debut during the memorable 2-1 win over Stoke City last season. The shot stopper stayed in goal for the second round against Reading and by the time the season ended had racked up six appearances in the league. Unfortunately Stockdale's starts in the league coincided with Quakers falling badly out of form in December.

The string of results were far from Stockdale's fault. The keeper was playing behind a young defence which as the month dragged on was suffering badly from illness. As proved in the recent pre-season campaign a more experienced defence in front of the keeper has allowed him far more protection and he is already feeling the benefit particularly from the presence of the club's new captain Stephen Foster.

"He has been unbelievable and it has only been a few games. If we can keep him going I think we have a great chance. He speaks to me and everyone and not just during games. He is a natural leader who has his funny side and his serious side. When you are out on the training pitch he wants it to be done right. He isn't strict but he knows what he likes and he likes quality. If you are not giving it he will tell you and if you are he will tell you then as well," said Stockdale.

Stockdale made his debut this season when he climbed off the bench during the opening day game against Wrexham. Oakes' red card gave Stockdale his chance and he took it with both hands. Making a good save from the resulting free-kick kept Darlington in the lead and a few more excellent stops followed to make sure Quakers' took all three points.

"That's the way it goes sometimes. Oakes got sent off and to an extent that was good for the team because the lad could have gone on and scored. He took one for the team and I thought that was very brave of his as well. It gave me a sub appearance and a chance to show what I can do."

"Me and Andy speak to each other on the phone and we have a good relationship. There is a rivalry between us but we are all friends. There is no ill feeling if he is in the team and I don't think there would be if it was the other way around. Whoever goes in throughout the season will be more than capable and able to do a job otherwise the gaffer wouldn't have picked them," said Stockdale.

Kevin Luff