MORE than £5,000 for Darlington’s unpaid players has been raised in less than 24 hours.

A fund was set up on the Darlington FC fans’ website Darlo Uncovered on Wednesday evening to pay for the squad’s pre-match meal on Saturday.

The initial idea was to raise £150, but last night, the fund had already reached £5,100.

Many fans had donated to the fund, as had former goalkeeper David Stockdale, who now plays for Fulham. He gave £200.

Scott Thornberry, who runs the website, said: “It’s great and shows there is support out there for the football club and the players. They haven’t been paid for the past two months – some of them have families to support and mortgages to pay.

“£5,000 is a great total to have reached. It’s what the fans can afford and, hopefully, the players can see the fans care about the club and what its employees have gone through.”

The money will be distributed to the players to help them pay other costs. Several players thanked the fans on Twitter.

They included captain Jamie Chandler, who said: “Unbelievable support from the fans @darlouncovered.

The lads are overwhelmed.

All we can say is thanks great effort really appreciate it.

“Amazing to see the donations this morning.”