DARLINGTON chairman George Reynolds last night announced that the club will stick with its 120 year tradition next season and play at home in black and white colours.

Just three weeks ago, the Quakers chief caused controversy when he displayed a shirt which he said was the choice of 87 per cent of fans but which other fans felt looked more like a red-and-white Sunderland strip.

But last night he was in conciliatory mood saying: "Our colours have always been black, white and red and that's what we'll be sticking to.

"I would like to make it quite clear that it was never our intention to use the red and white design because that was only a sample.

"We've shown a number of people various sample shirts over the last few weeks and those who have seen it are quite pleased about it.

"We have already placed bulk orders for this shirt and I'm sure it will prove to be very popular among fans."

Next season's strip has vertical black and white strips edged with thin red lines. It replaces last season's white top with black sleeves and red trim.

The club said farewell to its old Feethams ground at the end of last season and is preparing to move into a new 27,500 all-seater stadium on Neasham Road.

"We're a club moving forward with a new stadium and it's only right that we go into it with a new shirt," said Mr Reynolds.

"We've all got to pull together because this is going to be a very big season for Darlington Football Club."

He said that next season's away colours would be yellow and black."

Read more about the Quakers here.