Darlington chief executive officer David Johnston today appeals for fans to attend the club’s pre season friendlies in good numbers and watch attractive opposition.

Quakers fear that they are suffering from the negative side effects of World Cup fever as the club prepares for the first two attractive pre season friendlies, starting with a game against Scottish Premier League club Motherwell on Sunday, kick off 3pm, and then against neighbours Sunderland on Tuesday night, kick off 7.30pm.

“We know that the World Cup is going on, and England are quite rightly receiving their fair share of praise for their performances so far,” said Johnston.

“But please don’t forget about us. We are striving to provide the best standard of football possible for the town, and we need as much support as possible, as in turn that increases the budget for manager Tommy Wright to spend. He has already brought in several players who have experience of playing at a higher level, and we now have the makings of a very good side capable of challenging for promotion this season.

“Motherwell are very attractive opposition, as they reached two cup finals in Scotland last season and finished midway in the Scottish Premier League. They also include Curtis Main, who started his career with Darlington and played for them in the Scottish FA Cup final last season. They also include Ryan Bowman, who stood by us six years ago when we had problems.

“Sunderland are doing us the courtesy of sending their full first team squad, with their new manager, Jack Ross, fielding all of their summer signings. They are already showing signs of revival following their relegation last season, and optimism is growing.

“These are also the first pre-season friendlies that we have staged at Blackwell Meadows since we moved back to the town, and it is a great opportunity for fans to come along and see our new signings, plus if someone hasn’t been to see us before, it’s a chance to see what we have to offer – for example, we opened a new stand near the end of last season that families can use.

“So our message is – enjoy the World Cup, but also come out and enjoy what we’re offering at Darlington Football Club.”

Admission to Sunday’s game against Motherwell is by cash at the turnstiles, while tickets for the Sunderland game are available on Friday at Quaker Retail and on Sunday at the Motherwell game.

Tickets are also on sale for the big Legends game on Sunday 29^th July.