DARLINGTON Football Club has today (Monday, November 24) confirmed a signing that could prove vital in its efforts to return to where it belongs.

While Martin Gray’s push for promotion currently sees the Quakers top of their division, efforts off the pitch to secure a return to their home town have also been given a boost with the announcement of a partnership between the club and PR and marketing firm Harvey & Hugo.

The Darlington-based firm has been enlisted to help the club tap into new commercial opportunities and raise its profile among businesses and the local community ahead of the planned move back home in the 2015-16 season.

The club currently shares facilities at Bishop Auckland.

Club CEO Martin Jesper said: “The move back to the town requires a critical amount of planning.

"It is crucial that the club builds awareness and momentum behind the impending move and, in Harvey & Hugo, we believe we have an outstanding local partner, which has the expertise to help us deliver the board’s sales and marketing initiatives, and embed a highly effective commercial growth strategy with fans, local businesses and community partners.”

Charlotte Nichols, managing director of Harvey & Hugo, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting our local team and working on what we believe is a hugely important project to bring the club back to the town.”