Quakers to return to Darlington after four years in exile

DARLINGTON 1883 have been given an off the field boost as they continue to fight for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier title after the club confirmed they will be returning to the town next season.

After months of speculation, it was announced on Friday that the Quakers had signed a groundshare deal with Darlington Rugby Club which will see them play their home games at Blackwell Meadows.

Darlo have been playing at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park since their demotion into the Step 5 Northern League in 2012.

The club are fighting for their third promotion in four years and are currently second in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier with games in hand over leaders Blyth Spartans.

And the news couldn’t have come at a better time as the season reaches its climax with manager Martin Gray claiming “this is everything we wanted”.

Within the announcement, it was also confirmed that all funding streams were progressing towards the common objective of developing the ground and facilities to accommodate both sports.

Darlington director John Tempest said: “Our fans have been waiting for this news for the past two years and we’re finally here.

“We’re looking to be playing football here in August and while there’s a lot of work to be done, I’ve been told by the people that know that it will be completed on time to budget.

“This agreement between our two clubs represents the achievement of a key milestone in the further development of DFC since 2012.

“We have been encouraged by supporters, business and community partners in our ultimate aim of returning to play our games in our home town of Darlington.”

First team boss Martin Gray added: “This is everything that we wanted. We’ve been out of town for four years now and it’s great that the football club, rugby club and council have pulled together.

“It’s exciting that we’ll be back in Darlington for next season. If we can continue the success we’ve had on the pitch, we can grow the fantastic support we already have.”