Rallying call to fans

A FOOTBALL supporters club has appealed to fans whose passion has been reignited by a Wembley run to commit to the club's future. The group has urged Darlington FC fans to support chairman Raj Singh's call-toarms and back the club. Mr Singh said last month that he may have to consider his long-term future at the Quakers if he did not receive the backing of the fans. He wanted 2,000 adult season ticket sales for the 2011-12 season nearly double the present number of season ticket holders. It followed reports that the holding company owning The Northern Echo Darlington Arena had been placed in receivership over an outstanding £1.7m debt incurred before Mr Singh's takeover. However, Mr Singh later suggested he was committed to staying as chairman because of the club's FA Trophy success and fans' support during the run. Andy Smith, from Darlington FC Supporters Club, has urged those stayaway fans who were planning to attend next month's final to buy season tickets. He said: It is a great opportunity to win back some of the stayaway fans and fans who have walked over recent years. It is understandable that people have become disappointed because of the problems we have had over recent years. I do think we are now turning the corner and under Raj Singh, we have got the opportunity to give the club a better, brighter future and start to enjoy our football again. This season has seen a constant improvement. The feeling among fans is that under Raj Singh we can have a bright future; and on the field we have a good manager, Mark Cooper, who is building a good squad.

Source: Northern_Echo