THE newly-formed Darlington FC Supporters Group, which formed earlier this year, last night launched their new website.

The group say they formed after listening to fans’ views on merging the CIC, Supporters Club and Supporters Trust.

It holds approximately 62 per cent of the equity of Darlington FC and is the major shareholder as well as being the corporate director of Darlington Football Club 1883 Ltd.

A spokesman said: “One of the things that came out of the Darlington in-depth questionnaire was the fans wanted to be represented by one group so all members of the CIC, Trust and Supporters Club were balloted on coming together as one group, with an overriding yes vote the DFCSG was formed.

“The purpose of the group is to be the vehicle through which a healthy, balanced and constructive relationship between the football club and its supporters and the communities it serves is encouraged and developed.

“The launch of this website continues the process of consolidating the functions and media outlets of the previously separate entities, following on from the recent launches of the group’s new Twitter account and Facebook page.

“The newly merged entity of Darlington FC Supporters Group is very much in its infancy and we are just finding our feet. So if you have any ideas of how you think we can move forward on this journey, we would love to hear from you.”

The inaugural board, which is an interim one until the annual meeting due to take place around November, is John Tempest (chair), Karen Glencross (vice-chair), Colin Tinkler (treasurer), Neil Raper (secretary), Joanne Cameron, Rob Duncan, Margaret Tinkler, Lee Dixon and Ralph Naden while the membership secretary is Stuart Ford.

Mr Tempest added: “It’s been a busy few months and a huge thank you has to go to Neil Raper, the DFCSG secretary, who has made this all possible. He has worked tirelessly with the various fan groups and Supporters Direct.

“A massive thank you also goes to Paul Tate. He resides in Tbilisi and has designed the website from scratch. We work very closely with Martin Jesper and Dave Mills and the relationship between club and DFCSG is going from strength to strength.

“The work has just begun however and we are now in the process of working towards the move back to Darlington.”

The new website is at darlingtonfcsupportersgroup.org

Meanwhile, there is a new number for fans to use when booking a place on the Supporters Group coach to away matches. It is 0795-1434731.

Quakers’ first pre-season game is tomorrow at Durham City and kick-off times have been changed to 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The reserves play first followed by the senior team, for whom new signings Phil Turnbull, Kevin Burgess and Adam Nowakowski are all expected to play.

Tickets for next Thursday’s friendly with Sunderland go on general sale today at Quaker Retail, Blackwell Meadows, open 10am-1pm.