A TARGET of £80,000 has been set by the Darlington FC Supporters Group for this year’s Boost the Budget initiative, which has been launched today.

The scheme was a success last year in that Quakers supporters pledged £86,000.

The season that followed was a disappointment, ending last weekend with Darlington parting ways with manager Tommy Wright and the team 16th in the table.

The club are currently inviting applications for Wright’s successor, and have also turned their attentions towards raising funds for the new manager to invest in the squad.

Without a benevolent benefactor on hand to pump money in, the supporters group are again inviting Darlington fans to pledge what they can with proceeds raised going towards “building our club on and off the field” in season 2019-20.

A series of rewards are on offers to supporters for backing the scheme, the deadline for which is May 31. To make a pledge, click here

A statement released by the Darlington FC Supporters Group read: “This is a crucial time in which we will recruit a new manager for our great club and the Football Club Board will finalise budget planning across all areas of the business for next season as we look to improve on and off the field.

“By pledging to Boost The Budget you will help show any prospective manager what an attractive opportunity being Darlington FC manager is and how the fans as owners are backing the club to progress in Season 19/20.

“Last year a remarkable £86,000 was pledged to Boost The Budget by 405 fans. The final total received by your club since April 2018 will top £80,000 by the end of this month.

“This regular, reliable income has not only allowed the Football Club to invest in its playing squad but the certainty of income allowed the directors to build the club off the field as well.

“For example, a commercial manager was appointed in October 2018 with a remit to increase our matchday and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, in September 2018, Quaker Retail expanded its match presence with its own retail unit adjacent to the home turnstiles.”