We've the worst record in soccer ... and we want to keep it!
From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Friday 15th Aug 2003.

LITTLE Darwen FC is rooting for a fallen giant in a bid to hold on to its prized possession - the worst run of results in football history!

Darwen's record of 18 consecutive defeats in their catastrophic 1898-99 season is under threat from Sunderland FC - who have lost 16 games in-a-row...and counting!

Now supporters and chairman Kath Marah are cheering on Mick McCarthy's side to win their game against Millwall tomorrow and preserve the local team's claim to fame.

Kath said: "It's quirky and it's part of our history that we want to keep, so 'Come On Sunderland!'"

Sunderland's last league point came against Blackburn Rovers on January 11.

If the North Easterners lose at the Stadium of Light tomorrow and are defeated by Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday, August 23, the record will be equalled.

The 1898-99 season for Darwen, who were then in the Second Division, was one of ineptitude and disasters. It involved the club having to sell its fixtures and fittings after being sued by a former player, other players threw sickies and they suffered three 10-0 defeats in a row away from home against Woolwich Arsenal, Manchester City and Loughborough Town.

The season ended with Darwen having the record of highest number of goals ever conceded - 141 in 34 games - as well as the consecutive defeats record, and they were duly ejected from the Football League.

However, Kath believes the record is part of Darwen's rich and varied history and wants to see the club hold on to it. She said: "I can imagine the supporters were really depressed about having such a record as I am sure Sunderland fans are feeling depressed now.

"But it is old enough not to upset us anymore.

"We have many records through the mists of time, including the first club to play a professional, and the first club to play under floodlights. It is a really rich and varied history."

Darwen were original members of the Football Alliance, formed in 1888, which was a league down from teams which formed the Football League in that year.

By 1893-94 they were in the First Division and had England players on their books including William Townley and Jimmy Forrest.

But their fortunes were faltering in 1898/99. They played 63 different players and even a 'Darwen News' reporter was called upon to make the numbers up when no replacements could be found.

Their last-ever game in the Football League took place on April 22, 1899, at the Barley Bank ground. The club later moved to their present home, The Anchor Ground. The club currently play in the North West Counties League Division Two against the likes of Nelson, Padiham and Great Harwood.

A spokesman for Sunderland FC said: "This is one record that we will not be looking to break! Obviously we would be very happy for Darwen to keep their place in history but would like to thank everyone at the club for their support."

As for manager Mick McCarthy? The spokesman added: "He's too busy on the training ground to comment!"