DARLINGTON supporters are invited to a presentation on the way forward for the club, when fans will hear ideas about Quakers’ future direction.

Taking place next month at the Dolphin Centre, in attendance will be directors John Tempest and David Johnston, manager Tommy Wright, and members of the Darlington FC Supporters group (DFCSG) board.

Questions to the directors will be invited, and while it has been described by Quakers as “a very important public meeting”, it is understood that no significant changes are imminent.

A statement from the supporters group, who recently elected Chris Stockdale as their new chair, read: “Our board has worked closely with and supported David Johnston and John Tempest over the past few months as they have made significant progress in ensuring Darlington FC is in a secure financial position. Now we can start to look towards the future together and define the best way to continue to move our football club forward, both on and off the pitch.

“Under supporter ownership over the past five years we have recorded some remarkable achievements; three promotions, the reclaiming of our rightful playing name, funding the redevelopment of Blackwell Meadows and the return to playing football in Darlington.

“The DFCSG board firmly believe that continued progress is possible, on and off the pitch, with the right planning and execution under supporter ownership and with strong professional leadership in the board room.”

A club statement read: “If you care about the club, which has been based at Blackwell Meadows in Darlington now for almost a year, then we strongly suggest that you come along, and spread the word among other Darlington fans. This is your chance to have a say on the direction of the club. Even if you haven’t been to a Darlington FC game for a long time, or not at all, you’ll still be welcome.”

Johnston said: “As we move forward with a new DFCSG board now in place, we would like to share our views on the current financial position and the options around the potential funding models.

“The club has realistic aims for this season but with some clear objectives in developing the ground, re-shaping the playing squad and addressing the current debt position. We do, however, have to plan for next season and beyond and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss these with all our fans.”

The meeting takes place in the Main Sports Hall in the Dolphin Centre at 7pm on Monday, December 11.

Having lost on Friday evening in the FA Trophy to Harrogate Town, Darlington do not have a game this weekend – the scheduled fixture at Curzon Ashton was brought forward to September – and are not in action until December 9, when Salford City visit Blackwell Meadows.

The match is the first of several tricky games for Quakers, who host York City on January 6. The match will be all-ticket, but no further details have yet been announced.