Darlington Chief Executive Officer David Johnston has re-affirmed his determination to stay in the role and continue to lead the club.

DJ is aware of speculation that he might also quit following John Tempest’s decision not to seek re-election at the forthcoming AGM, but he will carry on – after all he has plenty of unfinished business at the football club.

“As everyone’s aware from our recent netcafe, the club has various strategies that it needs to pursue in order to have a sustainable future,” he said. “I am working on several ideas to realise that, and as everyone knows, I have been involved in various meetings over a long period of time with different partners.

“I have put a lot of time and effort into the last 18 months, and I have no intention at all of walking away.

“I am heartened and encouraged by everyone’s support. I received a lot of supportive messages after the Nuneaton game, and I believe that the vast majority of fans understand the situation that the club is in, and that change doesn’t happen overnight.

“I am also grateful for the support that has been shown by the other club officials, the Supporters Group and the team management.

“I expect to soon to make a presentation about the club’s future, and what needs to be done to achieve our ambitions.”

Meanwhile, DJ is looking to make new appointments to the board following John Tempest’s departure.

“We need to make at least one new appointment to the board. The person concerned must be of the right calibre, and to be able to devote plenty of time to football club business on a voluntary basis.

“In particular, he/she

• Must essentially have previous or current board experience
• Have good people management skills
• Be prepared to attend meetings at various times during the day
• Must be able to demonstrate corporate responsibility
• Have a sporting background, but this is not essential

“A more formal advert will follow in due course, but if in the meantime if anyone is interested, then by all means contact me.”

David can be contacted by e mail on david.johnston@darlingtonfc.org