Darlington Football Club has targeted the month of December 2016 for its return to the town.

The news was revealed at a fans’ forum on Friday night by club director Richard Cook, who is in charge of the Blackwell Meadows project.

“The construction is on schedule at the moment, but there is still plenty of work to be completed as everyone will appreciate,” he said.

“As the scheme progresses, we will be liaising with all the relevant authorities, including the FA, the National League, Darlington Borough Council and other statutory bodies. We will need their approval before we can play our games.”

The new ground will be built to the national standard of Grade B with an approximate total capacity of 3,000. The main features will include a 900 covered standing accommodation Tin Shed for home supporters, and a 297 covered seated accommodation for home supporters.

Darlington FC has been playing its home games at Heritage Park in Bishop Auckland twelve miles away from the town. During this period, Quakers have won three promotions in four seasons, rising from the Step 5 Northern League to Step 2 National League North. Quakers will be tenants at Blackwell Meadows, which is the home of Darlington Rugby Club.