A PRIVATE investor has made a “formal approach” to become a major shareholder in Darlington Football Club, the club has revealed.

Darlington FC’s board of directors and the Darlington FC Supporters Group (DFCSG) announced this evening that the potential investor could bankroll the club after it reported an £80,000 operational loss for this season.

The Blackwell Meadows board have confirmed that the mystery investor will be given access to its books before negotiating the “structure and extent of investment” the interested party would be willing to undertake.

However, details of any agreements between the fan-owned club and a private stakeholder will be kept confidential until a formal deal has been reached by all parties.

The club’s board and DFCSG have asked supporters to be patient while discussions continue between Darlington FC and the anonymous investor.

A statement from Darlington FC’s board of directors said: “A non-disclosure agreement has been signed preventing comment without all parties’ consent.

“With that agreement in place, there will be a preliminary sharing of financial information so that the structure and extent of investment can be considered.

“The board of the club and the supporters group recognise the need to keep all shareholders and fans up to date on developments and be as open as they can be as quickly as they can be through official channels.

“However, there will inevitably be periods during which there are no updates provided, and so we ask for patience.”

The announcement came shortly after DFCSG formally launched its ambitious campaign to fundraise £193,000 to upgrade Blackwell Meadows facilities.

Darlington was dealt a promotion blow after a National League decision made last week to deny them a play-off position this season due to lack of covered seating for fans.

The Quakers are entering an appeal to the Football Association.

DFCSG hopes to find £42,000 by mid-May for pitch and drainage upgrades with investors already adding a £10,000 donation to the fund.