Reynolds proposes land swap deal for stands at Feethams

Mr Reynolds says he wants to turn the land next to the new stadium, in Neasham Road, into an international football academy, but Darlington Borough Council has declined to comment on the proposal.

The club chairman has put forward a deal to the council for Feethams to become a venue for non league and youth teams and provide him with the 90-acre plot next to the new stadium.

With the club's multi-million pound stadium almost complete, he has no further use for Feethams.

The tin shed terraces are crumbling into decay and will be demolished, along with the former away-fans' stand and temporary toilet blocks.

Their removal will leave the south stand and the main stand, which can jointly accommodate 4,500 spectators, along with hospitality suites and bars.

Mr Reynolds said: "I am prepared to give the stands to the borough council."

In return, the football boss wants the council to give him the site beside the new stadium, on which he has already been granted first option.

Mr Reynolds said that while he no longer needs the century-old ground, he was reluctant to order the dismantling of all the stands which, he said, would reduce Feethams to little more than a "bomb site".

He said: "I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the council, one which will enable it to provide an excellent well-equipped community leisure asset for the town.

"I have not received a penny towards the new stadium, which has cost me well over £20m, and I feel the council would be in dereliction of its duty if it does not give this deal serious consideration."

A council spokesman said the authority could not comment on the proposed deal.

John Edwardson, the co-ordinator at Darlington Cricket Club, which is the trust holder of Feethams, said: "If a proposal is put to the cricket club, I am sure the cricket club committee will look at it and discuss it, and we will come up with an answer somewhere along the line."