Julian Darby thanked everyone connected with Wanderers for helping deliver his ‘dream day’ as Wanderers enjoyed a memorable victory at Huddersfield Town, writes Pete Oliver.
Bolton-Born Darby – who played almost 350 games for the club before going on to fill a variety of coaching roles in different stays with the Whites – stepped up from the Academy ranks to take charge following the departure of Ian Evatt as manager.
And with the B Team staff of Andy Taylor, Andrew Tutte and Andy Fairman alongside him in the dug-out at the John Smith’s Stadium, Darby oversaw a gutsy 1-0 win over Town to end the Terriers' unbeaten 16-match unbeaten run and give Wanderers a first win in four League One games.
“What a day. I can’t really put it into words. It’s a bit of a dream come true really. It’s just been an emotional day,” said Darby after Aaron Collins’ second-half winner.
“I just have to give a massive thanks to all the players and the staff, who have been brilliant since Wednesday. The staff have been put through the ringer as well, with a lot of negativity around, so I’m delighted for them as well.
“To be fair, I thought we looked like the team which was fourth and unbeaten in 16 games. I can’t praise the lads enough. Everyone seemed to win their battle today and I can’t ask for any more than that.”
Wanderers defended superbly around Collins’ 14th goal of the season to keep a first clean sheet in six league games as they edged back towards the play-off places.
And afterwards an overjoyed Darby celebrated with the Wanderers’ squad and the delighted travelling fans as he held grandson Bobby in his arms.
“I thought if we win I’ll go and do that. He probably won’t remember it but it’s there for posterity now,” added the 57-year-old caretaker-boss, who is likely to lead the team again at home to Northampton Town in mid-week.
“The fans were brilliant today, everyone one of them, and what it meant to me and the family at the end of the game was something I’ll never forget.
“I’m going to enjoy this day and come tomorrow we’ll start preparing for Northampton and let’s see what happens this week.
“I know Chris (Markham) is hard at it trying to get a new manager. I think it's important that's done as quickly as possible and a new manager will be able to see what a fantastic club it is.”