THE new regime at Darlington Football Club last night announced a massive boost to the Quakers' off-the-field aspirations as the new season looms.

The club, which narrowly avoided closure after it went into administration last December, has reported bumper season ticket and corporate package sales.

Darlington kick off against League Two rivals Grimsby Town on Saturday, with the club having sold 1,870 season tickets, a rise on last year.

Last August, 2,800 had been distributed, but only 1,400 were paid for because of a two-for-one offer.

The club's commercial team has also sold:

* 60 per cent of season-long packages for corporate boxes, up almost 20 per cent on last season.

* 14 out of 24 match sponsorships for the league campaign.

* 14 match ball sponsorships.

Quakers chief executive Andy Battison said: "We had worked towards equalling the number of season tickets which were actually paid for last year, but we have surpassed that without any gimmicks and to be closing in on 1,900 tickets before the season has started is brilliant.

"We are looking forward to the start of the season and welcoming fans old and new through our doors.

"We are anticipating a good crowd attending this weekend and would advise fans to turn up early to avoid delays getting into the ground."

Commercial manager Bob Gorrill said: "I am very pleased with the way things have gone commercially so far and, if it goes on like this, we could very well sell out of these corporate packages."

Further efforts to re-brand the club's £20m stadium, in Neasham Road, will be announced over the coming months.

Darlington legend Ron Greener has already been recognised, with the ground's presidential lounge renamed in his honour at a ceremony last week.

It is hoped that other famous players from the club's past will lend their names to parts of the venue.