Darlington 1883 To Move Back To The Town

DARLINGTON 1883 will be able to prepare for next season knowing they will be playing their football back in the town.

The Evo-Stik NPL Division One North club have played at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park for the past two seasons but will groundshare with Darlington RFC from next year.

Members of the rugby club voted in favour of the share at a meeting last night at their Blackwell Meadows home.

A Darlo club statement read: “With all parties now totally committed to ensuring that the potential at Blackwell Meadows is to be fully exploited for the benefit of both clubs and the wider community, we are delighted that we can push on with the significant work that has already been carried out to date with the intention of bringing the football club back to Darlington as soon as practicable.”

It is understood that plans will be submitted to Darlington Borough Council shortly to upgrade Blackwell Meadows ahead of Martin Gray’s side’s arrival.