THE official supporters group of a club facing losing out on the possibility of promotion due to ground problems have spoken out in support of its current directors.

Darlington Football Club's ambition has been dented by the National League decision to block their chances of taking part in the play-offs, which could have seen them promoted four times in five years.

Despite the ruling, members of the Darlington FC Supporters Group (DFCSG) have spoken of their determination to move the club forward regardless of the major setback to their dreams of returning to the ranks of professional football.

The club's board of directors made the sickening announcement on Thursday after it was ruled that the Blackwell Meadows ground does not have enough covered seating to meet league regulations for the next tier of the football pyramid.

Wayne Raper, the chairman of DFCSG, has written to all members to outline the support for the club.

He said: "We share the disappointment of the fans who we represent, and the frustration that Martin Gray (the manager) and coaching team, playing staff and everyone connected with the club are feeling. The DFCSG board works closely with the board of Darlington Football Club and both sets of directors are ultimately accountable to the fans who own the club.

"The DFCSG board continues to have full faith and confidence in the current directors of Darlington Football Club and wishes to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution they have made to the continued progress of the club. Part of their job is to make difficult and sensitive decisions in the long term interest of the club.

"As a collective, we need to remember how far this club has progressed since 2012. To even be in contention for a play-off position in Step 2 is a huge achievement. Martin and the team deserve enormous credit for punching above their weight on the pitch."

Mr Raper reminded fans that every penny raised was used on playing staff and warned that the cost of another 200 seats would be approximately £150,000 but the total cost of preparing for the next level could be in the region of £500,000.

He said: "Now is the time to stabilise and build the infrastructure that will allow us to be competitive when we achieve promotion. One reason this situation has come about is a result of constant turnover of the club directors with little handover. DFCSG are working with the current board to create support roles and mitigate the chance of circumstances such as this occurring in future."

The Quakers are fifth in the Vanarama National League North table and could qualify for the final position for the League’s North and South play-offs.

The club is expected to enter into a formal appeals process to fight the decision.