BOSSES at Darlington Football Club today pledged to give supporters a big say in the running of the Quakers after forming a new group.

The Darlington FC stakeholders' steering group will include members of the Quakers' supporters' club and the independent supporters' trust.

Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters (DAFTS), main club sponsor Darlington Building Society, Quaker TV and manager David Hodgson are also involved.

The group's first meeting has been held and saw supporters given a say in the season ticket offers for the upcoming new season. Full details of the new packages will be announced next week.

Mr Hodgson said: "It is my aim to make Darlington Football Club even more open and accessible to the real football fan and, by forming the stakeholders steering group, we are giving them a real and credible voice.

"The first meeting was very productive and our season ticket package has been greatly enhanced as a result of the input from all parties in the group. "I believe that, as a result of listening to our fans and partners, we have a package which will not only feature some unique elements, but will also be financially attractive to supporters."

Karen Glencross, vice-chairman of the supporters club, said: "I don't think I am going too far to say the formation of this group is a pivotal moment in the club and its relationship with the fans.

"To have our ideas and opinions taken on board, and to see the season ticket package reshaped as a result of the first meeting is something which has never happened before and is something of a landmark."

The club is hoping for a prosperous 2005/06 season after revealing earlier this week that chairman Stewart Davies would be staying on at the Quakers.