Manager buys into Quakers return

Darlington manager Martin Gray has become the latest person to buy shares in the Quakers as the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club looks to fund a return to its home town.

The First Division North club launched its latest fund-raising drive before Christmas and hopes to raise a minimum of £50,000, with a longer term target of £150,000. Fans and businesses have already pledged to invest more than £35,000, with Gray more than happy to become the latest to put his hand in his Quakers since May 2012 and last season steered them to the Northern League title at the first attempt, said: "My heart has always been in Darlington FC and I’m proud to offer some financial support to sustain the club and help it to get back home to Darlington.

"With a home ground in the town, the club can really push on and make the most of the commercial opportunities that being back in Darlington will bring."

In his interview with the Northern Echo on Monday, Darlington's manager added: "Darlington fans and local businesses know all too well how hard recent times have been with the football club.

"Many have lived through three administrations and are determined that the club, now fan-owned and based in the heart of the community, will hopefully never be in that situation again."