THE new owners of Darlington Football Club have launched an appeal for fans to reinvest money already pledged to the club.

Darlington FC 1883 Ltd (DFC 1883) says it needs £70,000 before the end of this month and £200,000 by the end of next month to be able to move forward.

Last night, DFC 1883 launched two websites – savedarlo.org and 1883cic.org – to explain to fans how the club will be run and how to invest and donate money.

The options include investing in 1883CIC – a new community interest company (CIC), which will have a controlling stake in the club.

Alternatively, fans can back one of the club’s supporters groups, which will either buy a stake in the club, invest in the CIC, or donate money directly to the club directly.

Denis Pinnegar, DFC 1883 interim chairman, said: “This is a critical time for the club. We are asking all fans to step up to the table and reinvest the money that they have already pledged through the Crowdcube system.

“This money will be used to build the team, put the management structure in place and start to prepare for the season which is facing us.”

The websites have been set up by DFC 1883 board member Laura Drew.

She said: “Savedarlo.org will give people the options on how to donate and invest, get behind the supporters groups and will also give some information on the CIC.

“1883cic.org will have all the details on the community interest company, how that interacts with the football club and how people can join it.”

Supporters groups met DFC 1883 board members on Sunday to discuss the funding arrangements.

Karen Glencross, from Darlington Supporters Club and a DFC 1883 interim board member, said: “Supporters groups were encouraged to suggest to their members to use the community interest company to divert their money and all groups were in agreement that this was a valid way forward.”

Donations to the club can be made through Paypal with a link on the savedarlo.org website.

Alternatively, fans can make direct transfers to Santander, 43- 45 High Row, Darlington, account number 20187379, sort code 09-01- 28.

The club is due to find out on Friday which league it will play in next season.

A decision about who will manage the team has been delayed until then.