The Northern Echo unveiled as Darlington 1883 shirt sponsor (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

The Northern Echo unveiled as Darlington 1883 shirt sponsor

11:09am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport

THE Northern Echo is to be the new shirt sponsor of Darlington Football Club, it has been announced today.

It was confirmed last week that the Quakers will play under the name Darlington 1883 in the Northern League at Bishop Auckland's ground from the start of the new season.

And The Northern Echo will be at the heart of plans to get the club back to Darlington and the Football League where it belongs.

The Northern Echo's editor, Peter Barron, signed the deal this morning with chairman, Denis Pinnegar and manager, Martin Gray at the club's new training base, Longfield School in Darlington.

A support package has been agreed which includes a re-commitment of the £10,000 investment pledged earlier this year during the fight to save the club. The money will go into the Community Interest Company established by the club while other arrangements are in place to cement the paper's relationship with the Quakers.

Mr Barron said: "This is a criticial period in the long and proud history of Darlington Football Club and it would have been totally wrong for The Northern Echo to desert the Quakers when they need our support more than ever.

"A town like Darlington needs a professional football club and I hope this sends a signal to other businesses, the local authority and supporters that we need to galvanise as much practical support as possible."

Mr Pinnegar said: "It is fabulous news that the club is going to be supported in this way. It is essential that the club has strong links with the community and The Northern Echo is at the heart of the community. That means a great deal to us and I am delighted to announce this vital partnership."

Mr Gray added: "I think it is fabulous news from the perspective of the management of the club and the supporters that we have The Northern Echo on board in such a visble way. The pieces are falling into place and I'm confident that together we can make this club a success again."

It was also announced this morning that Mr Barron will join a special advisory panel at the club, alongside former manager David Hodgson, MP Jenny Chapman, the club's administrator Harvey Madden, and Alasdair MacConachie, managing director of Vauxhall-Chevrolet motor dealer Sherwoods.