The Darlington Supporters' Trust holds its first annual general meeting today when they will look ahead to what promises to be a season of change at the club.

A year after the initiative was first suggested a committee of seven was elected by the membership earlier this week, with more set to be co-opted.

The meeting, at Darlington RA club, Brinkburn Road, is another landmark for the Trust, which is aiming at establishing a positive dialogue with the club - and strengthen community links.

"It's a year since the idea for setting up a Trust was first discussed and now we've laid the foundations," said acting secretary Peter Ashmore. "Next season will see the move to the new stadium and it's in everyone's interests that it's a big success."

The Trust has set up a working group, to look at practical ideas to take up with the club and community, it's also interested in a possible involvement in youth football development.

The Trust is also in the last stages of organising the "Farewell to Feethams" photography exhibition.

"Our new committee includes people in business, financial services and management and we've other skills to call on," said Ashmore. "We're always looking for others to come on board. We're all from a variety of backgrounds, but we've one thing in common - we're fans and we want the best for the club."

The meeting is open to non-members and will start at 11am so people can watch Brazil versus China afterwards (12.30pm).

* Darlington captain Craig Liddle has taken the first step towards a coaching career after being awarded the UEFA B coaching certificate. The 30-year-old is keen to take up a coaching role when he retires from playing.

* Middlesbrough are on the verge of a sensational double swoop after it emerged Benni McCarthy is now likely to follow striker Massimo Maccarone to the Riverside, writes PAUL FRASER.

Boro are understood to be shelling out more than £14m on the pair - in a spending spree that could spell the end for a couple of the club's forwards.

Boss Steve McClaren may listen to offers for Alen Boksic, Szilard Nemeth, Carlos Marinelli and Joseph-Desire Job.

Maccarone's agent, Paolo Fabbri, claims his player has already put the finishing touches to a deal and that he would be unveiled on July 7. Fabbri said last night: ''He's signed and now he's going back to Italy.

''He's very happy to have signed, he loves the stadium, the facilities and it is going to be a great opportunity to play in the Premiership.''

Boro are still refusing to comment but they are now understood to be closing in on McCarthy, who has been keen on a switch to Boro for 18 months.

Read more about the Quakers here.