[citation needed] Darlington agreed to end his contract so that he could retire from his playing career, in order to focus on coaching with the club.

[12] In his next season, Darlington finished as Northern Premier League Division One North runners-up, but they lost in the play-off semi-final to Ramsbottom United.

[13] In the 2014–15 season, Gray guided the club to another second-place finish in the division, and they then secured promotion by winning the play-off final, beating Bamber Bridge 2–0.

[14] The club finished in fifth place in the 2016–17 National League North, but were unable to participate in the play-offs due to ground grading issues.

[16] He was appointed manager of newly relegated National League North club York City on 1 October 2017, with Penney assisting him as sporting director.