Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds last night surprised fans when he unveiled next season's radical new look home strip.

Reynolds believes the switch from predominantly black and white to red and white stripes symbolises the club's "bright new future".

The announcement comes ahead of Darlington's final game at Feethams this weekend, before the club moves to a new 27,500-seater stadium.

"These are very good times for the club and it shows that we're moving with the times," said Reynolds. "I'm absolutely delighted with it and I think it looks superb.

"I know that people don't like change but we have to be positive and look to the future."

Sunderland-born Reynolds hopes the predominant red and white stripes with black trims can play its part in enticing new followers from Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle.

News that the Quakers will ditch its traditional black and white design was last night given an initial thumbs down from supporters, who last season saw the club re-design its traditional crest.

Feethams regular Dave Aitken, from Middlesbrough, said: "I support the black and white of Darlington, I don't support Sunderland. I can't see many other people want-ing to buy this shirt either, it's just not right."

Scott Thornberry, webmaster of Darlofc.co.uk, said: "We are a black and white club and this strip seems to be predominantly red."

A Darlington Supporters' Trust spokesman said: "I can understand the desire for a new strip to celebrate moving into the new stadium, but this is too radical. I think a lot of fans will be upset ."