DARLINGTON Football Club can look forward to an exciting future, club bosses say as an annual review reveals improving finances and growing stability.

However, the importance of returning the club to Darlington is also emphasised, with the report highlighting falling match attendances and a drop in season ticket sales at the team's temporary home in Bishop Auckland.

The Quakers' Annual Review, Directors' Report and Financial Statements document has been issued to all shareholders today (Tuesday) and published on the club's website - http://www.darlington1883.co.uk/?p=7789

It reveals that the club made a small operating profit of £600 in the 12 months to the end of June 2014, compared to a £28,000 loss the previous year.

The revenue of £289,600 was similar to the year before, however total debt was reduced to £58,200 from a peak in April 2013 of £225,000.

Most of this debt - £44,200 - relates to money owed to former players.

The report reveals that the club received windfall payments of £176,000 triggered by the appearances of former players, including Fulham defender Dan Burn.

However, the document also shows that average and total attendances fell in the 12 months to June.

Season ticket sales also showed a small decline, with the report suggesting the "novelty" of travelling 12 miles from Darlington to Bishop Auckland FC's Heritage Park had worn off.

The review confirms that the club is aiming to move to Blackwell Meadows to share facilities with Darlington RFC for the start of the 2015/16 season, with the hope that this will boost attendances and increase other revenues.

Commenting on the report, Martin Jesper, the football club's chief executive, said: "We are delighted that we have achieved financial stability for the club, which is clearly highlighted in the annual review.

"This means we can now concentrate on maximising revenue streams and other commercial activities as we look forward to an exciting period in the club's history."

Mr Jesper said he made "no bones of the fact" that on two separate occasions in the last two years the club almost ceased to exist yet again.

However, he added: "The financial and business disciplines that we have put in place have provided us with much-needed stability moving forward."

The report highlights the fan-owned club's desire to progress back through the league structure in a viable manner and with a "high level of professionalism, integrity, openness and honesty".

The club will hold its annual general meeting at the Blackwell Grange Hotel at 6.30pm on December 11.

A fans' forum will take place at Blackwell Meadows at 6.30pm on December 17.