FOOTBALL club officials have postponed a series of concerts to concentrate on the playing side of the business following a poor run of results.

Darlington Football Club yesterday decided to cancel its series of concerts, Pitch Invasion 2007, which were to star pop group Girls Aloud.

The club had planned to hold several music events in June at its 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

They were to be the first events the club were to host after planning permission was granted to hold concerts at the ground.

The club said last year that it could go bankrupt if concerts were not staged at the venue.

But at yesterday's meeting, the board agreed football must take priority - for now.

The board has said a seven-figure sum was needed to put on the two-week event, which was planned for June.

And chief executive Jon Sotnick said the funds should be spent on football instead.

The board wants to strengthen the squad in the summer with the aim of achieving promotion to League One.

Mr Sotnick said: "Our vision remains to fully exploit the fantastic facilities at the Darlington Arena, and this includes using it as a concert venue.

"We understand people may be disappointed. I am disappointed myself, but first and foremost we are a football club and our loyalty must be to the club's fans.

"The immediate focus is on building a team capable of challenging for promotion and bringing on the pitch success to this football club, and Easter's disappointing results have highlighted the need for significant investment in the playing squad."

Last year, The Northern Echo revealed that Girls Aloud had been penned in as one of the first acts. Other big names rumoured to be appearing at the event included Primal Scream and classical singer Katherine Jenkins.

The club is in talks with two drinks brands, including Carling, which backs the Leeds and Reading music festivals, about a music event next year.