THE trust that owns the derelict former home of Darlington Football Club last night took a big step towards disposing of the ground.

Darlington Feethams Cricket Field Trust has agreed to seek professional advice on how to secure the best possible deal for the land, where the Quakers played last in May 2003.

The future of the Feethams ground has been the subject of speculation since the football club left for a new £20m stadium in Neasham Road.

Late last night, cricket club chairman Brian Johnson told The Northern Echo the ground's fate had moved significantly closer to being decided.

He said: "There was a meeting of the trust and a decision was taken to seek immediate professional advice on the best way of realising the land of the football ground, whether by way of a freehold sale, a leasehold arrangement or anything else."

Once that advice has been received, a further meeting will be called.

Mr Johnson said: "The football ground is now abandoned and it's surplus to requirements as far as the cricket club is concerned.

"It is now a question of deciding on the best way forward for the benefit of the cricket club. We want to get things moving now."

The trust could raise millions of pounds if it decides to let a developer buy the dilapidated venue. Experts said any deal surrounding the four-acre site would be a "multi-million pound" one.

Quakers manager David Hodgson has also put forward a proposal to open a five-a-side football academy there on a ten-year lease.

But earlier this year, Mr Hodgson said he thought the cricket club, which plays on adjacent land at Feethams, would not grant him the lease and would instead take the "more lucrative route" and sell the football ground.

According to the trust's deed of foundation, any proceeds from a sale would have to be used for the perpetual use of cricket and other sports, as dictated by the cricket club.