While all tear-filled eyes will be focused on an emotional farewell to Feethams this afternoon, attentions will soon be switched to the dawning of a new era in the history of Darlington Football Club.

For in four months' time the club will be kicking off their 2003/04 Third Division campaign in the ultra-modern surroundings of their new home.

The 27,500 all-seater stadium on Neasham Road, which has yet to be named, will welcome Mick Tait and his side in August when the new season gets underway.

Just over two years ago the site on which the new arena now stands was just another ordinary field on the outskirts of town.

Today the field remains, but it won't be any old field when hopefully in August it will be surrounded by a sea of Quakers fans, who will be taking to their new seats for the very first time.

"I always maintained that the stadium would never be the biggest, but I set out to make it the best," says chairman George Reynolds.

The Italian leather sofas in the main reception area along with the marble flooring have the stamp of Reynolds written all over them - not literally - who appears to have combined a couple of his former traits to make his latest project a success.

A former nightclub owner and expert of joinery from his multi-million pound worktop business, quality is one striking feature which shines throughout.

The black ash and stainless steel bars would hardly look out of place in the trendiest of night spots, while the lifts and escalators, emblazoned with the club's motif on glass panels, are stylish and a clear indication of how important image is to Reynolds' newest venture.

It is, however, style on the football pitch which Quakers' long-suffering fans crave most of all and the chief is calling on them to share his vision of the future by turning out in numbers next season.

But for one or two cup upsets and the odd promotion, Feethams has, for the majority of its 120-year history, been void of real success.

However, Reynolds hopes that the move to the new stadium will herald a new beginning.

"We've got to move into next season with enthusiasm and I would like to see the fans support the team and the club," said Reynolds.

"If we all ride together the world is our oyster.

"The more revenue the club can get in, the more we can spend on players."

And while critics have been quick to condemn the capacity of the new stadium when current crowds are struggling to reach 3,000, Reynolds remains confident of attracting extra support.

"It's a fantastic stadium and I'm sure we can pull in more fans from surrounding areas," said Reynolds.

"You only have to look at the attendances Middlesbrough and Sunderland were getting before they moved to a new ground.

"We should capture markets from when Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are playing away.

"The club needs the support of its fans to move forward.

"If we work together we can make it happen."

And as well as enticing fans from the Big Three Reynolds hopes a reduction in matchday ticket prices will help bring more supporters through the turnstiles. "Our gate prices will be the lowest in the country," insisted Reynolds.

"There'll be two price structures with £12 for adults and £6 for children right through the stadium.

"Car parking tickets and season tickets will be available after the last game of the season.

"People who have a season ticket last year as promised will get two for the price of one.

"However, this must go to somebody who has not had a season ticket otherwise it will be a worthless exercise."

Read more about the Quakers here.