Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds has lifted a ban on four fans.

They include Scott Thornberry, editor of fans' website Darlo Uncovered, who last night welcomed the move, which is designed to unite supporters behind manager David Hodgson.

Mr Thornberry's ban, and his subsequent decision to close the website, sparked fans' protests. At the time Darlington Supporters Trust described it as completely unwarranted and launched a petition to have the ban overturned, without success.

Last night Mr Thornberry said that Darlo Uncovered would be back online later today.

The club had accused the website and a minority of fans of waging a malicious campaign against the club, the chairman, his family and club employees.

The chairman pledged to take a back seat role in order to lure Mr Hodgson for his third spell at the club.

The 42-year-old agreed to take charge of the Third Division club, now second bottom of the league, to stave off a potentially disastrous relegation from the Football League.

Mr Thornberry said: "This time last week it was all doom and gloom but we all know the passion that Hodgy has got and there is a lot more buzz about the club."

One of the fans banned by the club was Craig Stoddart, who works in the sports department of The Northern Echo.

Mr Reynolds rang him to tell him the ban had been lifted, saying it was time to move forward and "bury the axe".

The bans will be lifted in time for the Quakers' next home match against Lincoln City on November 15.

* A residents' parking scheme for people living near Darlington's ground will be in force for an international match tonight.

The Reynolds Arena will host the clash between the England National Game XI - formerly England Semi Pros - and the Belgian Under-20 side.

Permits must be displayed by residents, in order to prevent supporters using local streets for parking.