THE most eager of fans queuing outside the South Stand turnstiles an hour before kick-off held high hopes for the future after their big day finally arrived.

Steve Carvey, who attended the match with nine-year-old son Harry and his friend James Donald, called for investment in the team.

"The stadium's great, it's really impressive. Now I just hope the chairman spends some money on players. Luke Rodgers at Shrewsbury is the man we need to play with Barry Conlon," he said.

Season ticket holder Dave Addison, of Darlington, said: "It's a fantastic stadium so let's hope this is the start of something really, really good for the club and the town.

"If George Reynolds has made this kind of commitment then we should all get along and back it."

Friend Mark Ferguson said: "How good is this for the town? It is doing so much good for the town, now we all need to get together and make a success of this."

Audrey and Iris Potts, season ticket holders, were equally in awe of the surroundings.

Audrey said: "Well, we could net get served at the bar because it was packed, but the place is amazing and I just hope he makes a success of it really."

Iris said: "It's great for the town, let's hope people can get behind George Reynolds now."