A familiar face to everyone connected with the club, Neil’s journey with Mowden first began ahead of the 2010/11 season when he signed from Redcar via Middlesbrough. Originally recruited by Danny Brown and John Newton, Neil quickly became a key part of the squad during one of the most exciting periods in the club’s history.

The following season saw Mowden crowned National 3 champions as the club secured promotion to National 2, with Neil playing his part in a memorable campaign back at the club’s former stomping ground of Yiewsley Drive.

Despite settling into life at Mowden, Neil later answered a distress call from his hometown club of Redcar, who were on the verge of folding. In a decision of heart over head, he returned as player-coach to help rebuild the club from the ground up.

Over the course of a remarkable 10-year stint at Redcar, Neil’s contribution extended far beyond the pitch. Alongside his role as player-coach, he also served as Chairman of Senior Rugby, Chairman of Junior Rugby, and ultimately Club Chairman, helping shape every aspect of the club both on and off the field.

After taking a brief step away from rugby to focus on family time, Neil once again answered the call when Danny Brown and Newts came knocking at the start of the 2025/26 season. Bringing with him a wealth of experience, achievements and accolades from his years at Redcar, Youngey returned to Mowden as Forwards Coach with the aim of helping guide the club back onto a level playing field.

Reflecting on the 2025/26 season, Neil said:
“We did an okay job this season. You always think you can do better. I thought we were better positioned than where we actually finished in the league, but with the small squad that we had I think we did an overall brilliant job with credit going to the players.”

With Danny Brown now looking to take more of a back seat from the rugby side of operations to focus on the day-to-day running of the arena, the club felt there was no one better positioned than Neil to step into the Director of Rugby role.

Speaking on the future, Neil added:
“Looking ahead, I’ll still keep my hand in the coaching group, but my focus now turns to improving the club and what we can achieve moving forward, from minis rugby consistently through to the 1st XV.

We have some big announcements coming soon, not only in terms of new signings but what we can do to enhance the club and achieve together as one — not just the senior squad. That means a big buy-in approach not only from players, but parents, supporters, sponsors and the wider Darlington community.

Our club has some incredible people on board and I’m excited for what we can build together.”

Everyone at Darlington Mowden Park would like to congratulate Neil on his appointment and wish him the very best of luck in his new role as Director of Rugby. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for the club both on and off the field.