Lumsdon lands on feet with Quakers
Jul 3 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
CHRIS Lumsdon is excited to be part of a new-look Darlington squad full of players with plenty to prove. But the 29-year-old does not feel he is one of them.
The former Sunderland and Carlisle United midfielder is a key component of the totally rebuilt group Colin Todd put on show at Darlington Arena yesterday.
Having inherited only two senior players and five youngsters from the team which broke up after administration in February, Todd unveiled the 17 men (one short of a full matchday squad in next term’s Football League) who will form the basis of his plans.
None of the 10 additions can sign contracts until the Quakers officially leave administration – due on July 23.
Todd needs more and will be asking Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough for loans but the rest are likely to be from the bargain basement unless any companies answer his plea to “sponsor a couple of centre-forwards”. Lumsdon broke down in tears when Carlisle told him he would not get a new contract this summer but now believes he has landed on his feet.
“When I met Colin Todd everything he said would happen has happened so it is good to be here now, finally,” he said.
“Colin has been honest from the start and made it clear he wanted me. He wanted a squad of local lads with points to prove to make sure we stick together and have a go.
“There are actually more players than I thought there was going to be at this stage. I know a few already and they are good players.”
The most high-profile – player-coach Dean Windass – was the only signing missing yesterday but still made his presence felt by texting Todd from his holiday while the television cameras were rolling. Lumsdon believes the ex-Middlesbrough striker’s qualities as a footballer and a personality are just what the Quakers need.
“It is an indication things are going in the right direction,” he said. “We have not got the biggest of squads so we will have to have a good spirit and Dean will help that, I’m sure. To do well in this division you have to have a good work ethic and be well organised. You need a bit of quality and to be hard to beat.”
Until his injury-hit final season, Lumsdon was a pivotal figure at Brunton Park, taking Carlisle from the Conference to League One. But the Newcastle-born midfielder sees going from west to east as moving home.
“I was an ever-present for the first three years (at Carlisle) but now I have left and it’s all about Darlington,” he said. “I was disappointed to leave at first but ready for a fresh challenge.
“I’m a home boy and it’s nice to be back in the North East. I am a Newcastle fan so I used to get a bit of grief when I played for Sunderland, especially when we beat them at Newcastle 2-1 at St James’s Park. I have a season ticket there so it will be good to play them in pre-season. I have 50 people wanting tickets for the Newcastle friendly but I’m not paying for them!”
Todd was careful to strike an upbeat yet realistic mood, mindful of the hubris that was a feature of George Houghton and George Reynolds’ chairmanships. “We’re beginning to look like a football club again,” said the former Sunderland defender. “We’ve got to let the public know it’s going to be refreshing, it’s going to be a new era and we hope we can win things.”
