DARLINGTON supporters have been asked to cease criticism of the club’s relationship with landlords Darlington Rugby Club, by Quakers director Richard Cook, who says it is “not helpful” and has pointed out the match day improvements that have been made in recent months.

Yesterday’s win over Brackley Town was Darlington’s seventh fixture at Blackwell Meadows since moving back to the town on Boxing Day.

Since when, says Cook, a series of alterations have been made in conjunction with the rugby club to improve conditions for supporters.

“Since Boxing Day the board has been continuing to work hard to improve the match day experience,” said Cook, writing in the programme for yesterday’s match, a 1-0 win thanks to a Stephen Thompson’s goal early in the second half.

“I know a lot has been said on social media over the last few weeks about the football club’s relationship with the rugby club, unfortunately most of it is false and baseless, and some of it comes from people who should know better and unfortunately don’t know the facts.

“What everyone has to remember is both the board of Darlington FC and the committee of the rugby club are all volunteers, so we are all time-precious, arranging meetings whenever we can afford the time to discuss the key issues and build on the relationship.

“Getting everybody together in one place on a regular basis is not that easy.

“Since the first match on Boxing Day both clubs have worked together to try and improve the experience while not alienating some people who have called Blackwell Meadows their home for over 25 years. Comparing the first game and where we are now: *the food and catering pricing issues have been resolved.

“the Tom Watson room (the downstairs lounge) is open to all on a match day before and after the match.

*the Quaker club are using the lounge area.

*improvements have been achieved to the disabled parking.

*and for today’s match we welcome Quaker Retail and the Supporters Group into the bar area.

“Little steps, but they are strengthening the trust and relationship. This progression is not any different to those business and in our personal lives if we think hard about it. We have lots of further ways we will improve the relationship but we need your help to cement it. Please do not snipe, it’s not helpful.”

Yesterday’s match was the first at Blackwell Meadows since a large new sign was erected at the venue on an exit gate.

Provided to Darlington by the National League, who send all clubs a sign to put on display, Darlington Rugby Club only gave permission to erect it after alterations had been made.

It no longer includes the suffix “FC”, and the wording: “Proud members of the Vanarama National League.”

Darlington are at home on Wednesday against Bradford Park Avenue (7.45pm).