A QUAKERS fans’ group last night announced it was going to invest £40,000 in the club following a ballot of its members.

Darlington Supporters’ Trust collected £50,000 during a previous crisis at the club, with £10,000 already spent helping to saved the club.

The trust has faced repeated calls to hand over the rest of the cash, with Darlington FC 1883 (DFC 1883) needing £200,000 by the end of this month.

Members were asked whether they wanted the cash to go to the club at all and, if so, whether it should go directly to DFC 1883 or to the community interest company (CIC) launched by the club.

A statement on the trust’s website last night said: “The trust is happy to announce that the results of the ballot have resulted in an overwhelming “yes” for investment in DFC, with a very significant majority of those “yes” voters expressing a preference for the £40,000 to be invested in the CIC.

“And so it shall be. Democracy at work.

“The immediate task of the trust is to complete the fine detail of how the trust can play a positive role in the ongoing development and success of 1883 and the CIC. This will be achieved by discussions without delay.”

DFC 1883 chairman Denis Pinnegar welcomed the result of the ballot. He said: “We think this money is going to come through the CIC, but as far as we are concerned, we are happy either way.

“It is entirely the prerogative of the trust – they are buying shares in the football club and that is what is important.”

Officials from DFC 1883 will today put forward a new name for the football club following last week’s ruling by the FA that it should be treated as a new entity and placed in the Northern League.

Board members met last night to consider the two options that topped a fans’ poll.

They will take their favourite to Durham FA this morning before it goes to the Football Association Leagues Committee for consideration.

Mr Pinnegar said: “We thought we had a few days, but on Saturday we were told we had until first thing Monday morning to decide. We’ll announce it when we can.”

Season ticket sales for the club, which will play at Bishop Auckland next season, got off to a flying start during an open day at its new temporary home on Saturday.

More than 400 fans signed up for the season and £22,000 was generated through ticket sales, merchandise and new community interest company memberships.

Mr Pinnegar said: “About 700 fans came and they were unanimous in their praise of Bishop’s ground. We only budgeted for 500 season tickets, so we’re delighted it looks like we’re going to exceed that.

“It could bring back a bit of the atmosphere we had at Feethams.”

Fan Harry Bartle, who has followed Darlington since 1947, said: “It’s been a sorry few weeks, but we’re impressed with the facilities and if the results on the pitch match the stadium, we’ll be fine.”

A 2,000 capacity crowd is expected for the opening fixture of next season, which sees Darlington take on their new hosts Bishop Auckland.