DARLINGTON supporters are closing in on the £30,000 mark just a week into a fundraising drive aimed at strengthening Tommy Wright’s hand when planning his squad for next season.

Just last week the Darlington FC Supporters Group launched Boost the Budget 2018-19, an initiative aimed at Quakers supporters to help increase the funds available to Wright.

In just a week more than £28,902 from over 100 people has been raised.

A similar scheme ran 12 months ago, with more than 180 people combining to chip in £40,000 over the course of this season, mostly via weekly or monthly pledges.

One year on, and with Blackwell Meadows no longer requiring substantial development – a new seated stand was opened earlier this year – the Supporters Group have set their target at £80,000 with the deadline being April 30.

Fans are invited to pledge any amount they can, payments can be made weekly or monthly, with proceeds raised added to Wright’s budget for the Quakers’ assault 18-19 season.

Wright said: “I really appreciate the help of our generous supporters. I believe that I have a good squad at the moment, and with continued financial backing into next season, I believe that I can build a better one.

“Obviously with the way I’ve invested currently in the squad, I’m always looking for a bit of a return. I won’t be wasting our supporters’ money, I see it as an investment in the future.”

Supporters group chairman Chris Stockdale added: “Over the last few months Tommy Wright has quickly put together an exciting squad with a great mix of senior pros and talented younger players. The recent run of results – we have lost just once in 11 matches — shows this approach is working.

“As a fan-owned club Boost the Budget is key to both allowing Tommy to put together a strong squad for next season and continue to invest in our younger talent who are already attracting interest from clubs higher up the pyramid.

“Without Boost the Budget, Tommy will inevitably have a much reduced budget next season, because a core principle of fan ownership is a prudent financial strategy. I hope the fans will get behind the scheme and take advantage of the great range of rewards we have put together.”

To support Boost the Budget you can make a pledge online: here

Forms will be available for offline donations both in Quaker Retail and at Quakers’ remaining home games – on Saturday they play Southport at Blackwell Meadows.