DARLINGTON are optimisitc that they will finally be able to confirm their proposed move back to the town by the end of this month.

They aim to start next season at Blackwell Meadows, the home of Darlington Rugby Club, having been based at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park since the summer of 2012.

Quakers officials have been engaged in negotiations with their counterparts at Darlington Rugby Club for over a year, and had intended to start this season at Blackwell and launched a ‘Heading Home’ slogan.

But while the groundshare at one stage appeared to be unlikely, both parties are now edging closer to an agreement and Darlington manager Martin Gray tonight described the move as being close to being complete.

“I think it’s very, very close,” said Gray, speaking on the Football Matters television show.

“It’s in the final stages and hopefully by the end of January we’ll have a deal done and it’ll be back to Darlington at Blackwell Meadows.

“It’s been long-awaited. We’ve played out of town for three and a half years. We’ve had great success, which has allowed the crowds to keep giving us great support.

“But that can only continue for so long, we need to bring the club back home.

“Come August this year, we hope to have a brand new ground with a brand new setup and that will hopefully kicks things on again for us.”

In early November, Michael Wilkinson, chairman of Darlington RFC, acknowledged the support of Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, and Darlington Borough Council in the process and said: “On behalf of Darlington Rugby Football Club’s board of directors, I able to confirm that both clubs have made significant advances towards achieving an agreement that facilities the return of Darlington FC to its home town.”

Quakers are next due in action on Saturday against Matlock at Heritage Park, where they have seen five successive matches postponed due to the weather.

Along with Marine, Darlington have played the joint-fewest matches in the division with 25 of their 46 league fixtures to play inside the last 15 weeks of the season.

Of their remaining league fixtures, 14 are due to be at Heritage Park, while landlords Bishop Auckland still have 12 home league games to play.

Adding to Quakers’ backlog is the less than prestigious Integro Doodson League Cup.

They won in the second round on December 1 at Frickley. However, the third round draw has still not been made as three ties are to be played.

* Football Matters is broadcast on the Made In Tyne and Wear channel and will be repeated at 1pm on Thursday and 11am on Saturday.