Darlaston Town back from brink after fundraising
An historic club that was pulled from the league after almost 140 years will return next season after thousands of pounds was raised to save it, delighted bosses revealed today.
Darlaston Town now has two months to secure a ground for next season after its old home fell into disrepair.
The football club, founded in 1874, is believed to be the second oldest non-league team in the country. It was a founder member of the Midlands league in 1962 but resigned at the end of last season when the club folded due to financial issues.
A committee was set up in September to generate £5,000 to cover rent, registration fees and kits in a bid to save the club.
That target has been reached and bosses are looking to raise another £5,000 to cover running costs throughout the season. But its City Ground base needs new fences and walls, so talks are being held with Walsall Council to decide whether the club will stay there or move to a new location.
League officials will assess whether grounds are suitable between April and June, so they have about two months to finalise their plans.
Neil Chambers, a chairman of the club in the 1990s and club historian who is leading the campaign, said: "The fundraising has been going exceptionally well so we will definitely be kicking a ball at the start of the season. We are confident we will get the money together for the running costs as the campaign has gone so well but it would be good to get that sorted early so we can start planning for the following year."
It comes as preparations gather pace for an evening featuring Wolves legends Don Goodman and Steve Daley on April 4 to support the campaign. It takes place at Darlaston Town Hall, Victoria Road, Darlaston. For details call 01922 658080.
