Darlaston Town back from the brink after club donations

But now delighted campaigners fighting for the club have revealed it is set to return from the brink and kick off next season following a flood of donations.

The club is believed to be the second oldest non-league team in the country. It has played at the Waverley Road ground since 1899 and only during the war years has a Darlaston team not been competing in a regional league.

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.

And now organisers said almost £4,000 had been raised – enough, they say, for them to start planning for the club's return next season. They are now in talks with Walsall Council about potential locations that could host matches.

Neil Chambers, a chairman of the club in the 1990s and club historian who is leading the campaign, did not want to reveal the sites while discussions are ongoing.

But he said the positive response from members of the public meant it was likely that the club would be back in the league next year.

Mr Chambers said two businesses had agreed to donate £1,500 between them, while he had been inundated with individual donations.

He added: "I think judging from the reaction we have had, we would anticipate being able to raise enough to kick off next season. There is still a way to go, and we need to find running costs for the season, but we have been really pleased."

Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz revealed last month that she has written to FA chairman Greg Dyke asking him to support the campaign. She wants to hold a meeting with him to see what support is available for the club.

A new committee has registered the club with the Birmingham County FA to make sure its proud history remains unbroken. Upcoming fundraising events include a beer and skittles night at Bentley Leisure Pavilion on Friday at 7.30pm.

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