FANS groups are to play a key role in the future management of Darlington Football Club, the new owners have announced.

Supporters will be given the chance to invest in a community interest company (CIC) which will hold a stake in Darlington FC 1883 (DFC 1883), the company running the club.

Alternatively, they can put their money in one of the fans groups which will hold their own stakes of up to 15 per cent.

Four groups have agreed to invest – Darlington FC Supporters Club, Darlington Uncovered fans forum, Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters (Dafts) and Darlo Tykes.

It is hoped that Darlington Supporters Trust will also back the proposal following its annual meeting on Monday when a new board will be elected.

Craig McKenna, DFC 1883 project leader, said: “Following discussions with their representatives, fans groups have agreed to invest directly in 1883, as well as supporting the CIC moving forward.

“Fans can take the option of putting their money in the CIC or they can choose a fans group which they have an affinity with.”

Mr McKenna said the process of forming the CIC was under way, however it was likely to be the end of the month before it was ready to take money.

Emails are due to go out this weekend to DFC 1883 investors, explaining how they can withdraw their money from on-line funding company Crowdcube.

Details of how to submit funds to the supporters groups will also be announced shortly.

Mr McKenna added: “Over the next couple of years there are going to be decisions made on how we get back to Darlington and how the budget is split between facilities and playing staff.

“By pooling their support together through a fans’ group, fans can have a bigger influence on the outcome.”

Karen Glencross is a board member of DFC 1883 and vicechairman of the supporters club.

She said: “I’m quite excited by this. It means that we are all going to be part of the decisionmaking process and I’m looking forward to working with the other groups, as this is something that hasn’t happened before.”

• DFC 1883 will hold a question and answer session for fans at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, in Darlington, tonight from 7pm. Get live updates from the meeting on our homepage.