OFFICIALS involved in Darlington’s proposed groundshare at Blackwell Meadows insist talks are ongoing and that all parties involved remain committed to reaching an agreement.

Reports suggested yesterday that discussions between Quakers and Darlington Rugby Club, who underwent a management restructure earlier this year, are on the brink of collapse.

But a well-placed source at the rugby club told the Echo that “discussions are ongoing and we’re working towards an agreement”.

A senior official at Darlington FC was similarly upbeat, confirming they are still in negotiations with their counterparts at Blackwell.

Amid concerns at the delay in Darlington returning to town, Quakers dismissed suggestions that they have agreed to extend their tenancy at Heritage Park for a further two seasons, with chief executive Martin Jesper saying: “It’s news to me.”

Jesper was reluctant to put on a date on when talks with the rugby club may be resolved. All parties, including Darlington Borough Council, have been in discussions for months and Quakers had originally hoped to be heading home in time for the beginning of the forthcoming season.

 

They confirmed last month, however, that they will begin their fourth successive season at Heritage Park.

The statement read: “Commercial arrangements between the parties will reflect a close working partnership, with a strong emphasis on community sports participation, and one that also allows the club’s fans and officials to firmly identify Blackwell Meadows as being DFC’s ‘home’ for many years to come.

“The board cannot, and will not, agree to any terms that do not reflect this fundamental ethos, or that do not protect the longer-term interests of the club (both commercially and in terms of potential expansion) for the fans and the wider community.”

Quakers’ next pre-season friendly is at Harrogate RA on Saturday, they are at Heritage Park on Monday against York City (7pm) and they kick-off their Evo-Stik Premier Division season away to Buxton on August 15.