DARLINGTON supporters have exceeded the Boost the Budget target that had been set at £80,000.

The deadline was set at midnight on Monday for an initiative launched six weeks ago by the Darlington FC Supporters Group aimed at giving fans the opportunity to supplement Tommy Wright’s summer transfer plans.

But by yesterday morning the target had been met and funds continued to be pledged throughout the day.

By midnight when the scheme closed, 419 investors had raised £85,855 between them.

Wright said: “Darlington fans never cease to amaze me, I can assure them that the money won’t be wasted. I would like to thank every Darlington fan who has contributed. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

A similar scheme 12 months ago saw more than 180 people combining to chip in £40,000 over the course of this season, which ended on Saturday with Quakers in 12th place.

Although £80,000 had been the target this time around, organisers revealed they felt it had been ambitious.

Chris Stockdale, chairman of the DFCSG, said: “Never did I expect we’d actually go and reach this target. My hope was for £60,000 with 80 new people joining the scheme. Absolutely incredible from our fans.

“It gives the club a great platform to build on next season, on and off the pitch.

“It is amazing that over 350 people have pledged, it shows that they have bought into the ethos of our fan-owned club and want to back Tommy Wright.

“When we set up the scheme, we stated that people could pay as little or as much as they wanted, and that was perfectly acceptable. All of it goes towards what we feel is a competitive playing budget for the manager, and provides us with a sustainable financial position.”

This latest fundraising drive means Darlington supporters have invested over £1.1m into the club since 2012, and director John Tempest said: “Yet again, when the fans have been asked to raise money, they’ve come up trumps, and proved that we’re not just fans, we’re a family at Darlington FC.

“It shows how strong the feeling of togetherness is at the club, and how much we want the manager and team to succeed.

“Visiting directors, officials and fans to our club are amazed at how much we have raised over the last six years, and are so complimentary towards our fan base. It is truly amazing to raise such a large amount in just over a month, and I must, on behalf of the club, sincerely thank everyone who has contributed.”

Wright, meanwhile, is speaking to squad members this week before announcing who he wishes to retain, though some players already know they have played their final game for the club.