THE name George Reynolds is already known to many in the region - but it could soon be impossible to avoid after it was revealed that Darlington's new football stadium will bear his name.

The flamboyant multi-millionaire has made a big impression since he bought the club in 1999, and now it looks like his name will be emblazoned across his new £20m ground.

Work is well underway on the 25,000-seater Neasham Road stadium, on the outskirts of the town, and bosses at the club expect the ground to be ready in August 2002.

And although the club is still to make a definite decision on the name of the stadium, they have revealed that it will include the chip-board businessman somewhere.

Luke Raine, director of football at Darlington, said: "We haven't given it a great deal of thought to be honest, but George has done so much to secure the new stadium that I'm sure it will be named after him.

"What the exact name will be I'm not sure, but it could be something like the 'George Reynolds Stadium' or 'George Reynolds Park' for example.

"Either way, he's paid for it and he owns it, so it is right that it will bear his name."

The state-of-the-art stadium will provide a wide range of facilities for supporters, with elevators to take fans to their seats and a picnic area for families.

Access to the 1,700 car parking spaces and turnstiles will be gained by swipe-card, and the stadium will also boast three restaurants, a health club, computer study area and 28 hospitality boxes.

Landscaping has also been an important part of the site, with Darlington Borough Council keeping a close eye to make sure the stadium is screened.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are obviously working closely with the club to ensure that the ground is screened from nearby roads, but this is also a planning condition that the club are well aware of."

There will be a two-acre water feature outside the ground and the club has vowed to maintain the natural fauna and wildlife living close to the stadium.

Read more about the stadium and see the progress in pictures here.

What do you think about the name? Have your say here.

Updated: 14.31 Tuesday, June 5