QUAKERS administrator Harvey Madden last night warned fans they needed to turn up in their thousands to Saturday’s home game if they wanted to see new signings.

Mr Madden said the initial euphoria surrounding the club’s battle for survival had now dropped off and ticket sales for the match against Stockport had been poor.

Fans are hopeful the club will sign former winger Neil Wainwright as the team tries to avoid relegation.

However, Mr Madden said: “If the club is to continue I need the support of the fans.

“We’re trying to sign players on the basis that fans will support it. Without that support I just can’t go forward with more signings.”

He added: “We have only sold a very small amount of tickets for Saturday.

“The support has been brilliant so far but we can’t go back to 1,800 or 1,900 – it is just not sustainable.”

Darlington FC 1883 is raising money with a shares issue to buy the club.

Karen Glencross, a director with the fans’ company, echoed the administrator’s appeal for fans to attend Saturday’s game.

“It’s so important that supporters turn up to back Craig Liddle and the team.

“We are building a community club and we want to pull together as a community.”

Jason Lees, the football club’s general manager, said: “It isn’t just about the two home games we had in January – it’s about the rest of the season and next season as well.”

More than 6,000 people watched the home game against York, with more than 5,500 at the previous game against Fleetwood Town.

Mr Lees also urged residents and businesses to consider the stadium for parties, conferences and the Sunday carvery lunches, which are again being held at the stadium.

Discount tickets for the Quakers’ final seven home games of the season, starting with Stockport, will be sold at the stadium reception until 5pm tomorrow.

Executive boxes costing £250 plus VAT for a box only are still available. Shares in Darlington FC 1883 will be sold on Saturday at the West Stand from noon and will continue to be available in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, today and tomorrow between 11am and 4pm.

Investors should bring two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID.