Football stand roof may be too costly to build (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington board to vote on future of structure

7:00am Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter

A ROOF for a new stand at the temporary home of a North- East football club may prove too expensive, bosses have admitted.

Durham County Council yesterday granted planning permission for the £50,000, 300- seater structure at Bishop Auckland FC’s Heritage Park for Darlington FC.

The stand has already been partly erected at the ground, although the addition of a roof has been delayed pending approval by planners.

Although season tickets have already been sold to fans for a covered stand, Denis Pinnegar, Darlington FC chairman, admitted yesterday that a final decision on adding a roof had not yet been taken.

Instead, a working group was examining the costs and if they proved too expensive, a roof would not be added. Board members will vote on the issue at the next meeting.

If this was the case, the club would offer a refund to fans who have bought a season ticket for the stand.

The refund would be equivalent to the difference between a season ticket for the stand area and the standing area.

Terry Jackson, chairman of Bishop Auckland FC, admitted that even with a roof, fans using the stand may not be protected from the elements.

He said: “Would a roof stop you from being hit with the majority of the wind and rain which blows across the ground? I suspect the answer is no.”

Meanwhile, Darlington FC has confirmed two new additions to its board.

Tony Waters, a previous board member and leader of Dafts (Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters), has rejoined.

He will be responsible for match day operations, fundraising and retail development Martin Jesper joins the board as financial director.

Mr Pinnegar said: “Mr Jesper has already began formalising the financial management procedures and the medium and longer-term financial planning that is so important to facilitate the future plans of the club.”

The club chairman yesterday described online rumours suggesting the club would not seek promotion if it won the Northern League this season as absolute rubbish.