DARLINGTON 1883 have moved a step closer to returning home after the official groundshare agreement was signed with Darlington Rugby Club.
The Quakers, who will compete in the National League North next season, have been playing at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park for the past four years.
They announced back in March that they had agreed a deal with Darlington Rugby Club to play back in the town at Blackwell Meadows.
And on Tuesday, the Quakers confirmed the necessary “Licence to Groundshare” and commercial agreements had all been signed.
Both clubs have been working together to satisfy the grantfunders and stakeholders who will be funding the redevelopment programme at Blackwell Meadows. The deal now means the proposed building and construction requirements can now be implemented.
The Quakers' target of returning home for the first league game on August Bank Holiday weekend is unlikely to be met with October a more realistic aim.
A club statement read: “DFC Directors John Tempest and Richard Cook want to personally thank the chairman of Darlington RFC, Michael Wilkinson and club secretary Graham Webster for the many hours of work and dedication they contributed to working with the football club to reach this milestone.
“In addition they want to thank the fans of Darlington Football Club for their patience over recent months but now more than ever request the fans and businesses of the town to rally behind the club this season.”
