Tin shed ban lifted - with conditions!

Chairman George Reynolds announced after the events last Saturday against Chesterfield, that U-18s would not be allowed into the Tin Shed unless season ticket holders or accompanied by an adult.

But after a meeting yesterday, director of football, Luke Raine, revealed that the club has made an about turn.

"It is back to status quo," he said.

"But what we will not tolerate are supporters using bad language, sitting down in front of cars at the ground and spitting. That is disgraceful behaviour, and several fans have complained about that, not just before Saturday's game.

"We are going to increase the stewarding at the Tin Shed, and if we feel that anybody is indulging in anti-social behaviour, not only towards club officials, but also players and visiting fans, then the stewards will be instructed to eject them from the ground.

"And depending on the circumstances, then they could be banned for life - we will make sure of that.

"We will review the position at the end of the season. And if increasing prices at the end of the season deters the troublemakers, then so be it.That is a serious promise.

"Unfortunately, the innocent might suffer because of the few.

"But there is plenty of good banter in the Tin Shed, and we don't want to spoil that."

The announcement earlier in the week led to protests from the fans, some of whom have threatened to stay away from matches.

Meanwhile former Darlington boss David Hodgson has responded to a television interview by chairman George Reynolds, who drew comparisons with the former manager's first season and his replacement, Gary Bennett's.

"I don't want to get drawn into an argument over the management style of myself and Gary," said Hodgson, who quit just before the start of the season.

"Gary and I are still close friends. It would be disrespectful not only to compare me and Gary, but also the players of the two teams concerned.

"If success for me can be measured as reaching the play offs and losing at Wembley, then success for Gary will be winning promotion or reaching the LDV Vans Trophy final.

"I will loudly applaud that, as will all the Darlington fans who want the club to do well.

"I helped to keep Gary at the club last season, and if he is successful, then I will be proud in a small way."

Bennett is still looking for players to strengthen his squad, but he won't make a breakthrough before tomorrow's game at Lincoln City.

He had a look at three trialists in the reserves against Blackpool on Wednesday night, but he said: "Nothing will happen before Saturday.

"We are looking at a couple of others, and we may be able to do something next week."

Bennett gave outings to Nicolas Forge, Danny Mellanby and Dean Walling, and Bennett said: "Nicolas has a good left foot, and is a good passer of the ball. It was only his second day in the country, and it was a little bit strange for him.

"Danny has done well in the week he has been with us. we will probably have a chat with him and Bishop Auckland manager Tony Lee later. Dean needs games, and I have to speak to the chairman about him" lWolves are looking at Darlington keeper Andy Collett. John Ward, who was manager of Bristol Rovers when Collett was there following his departure from Middlesbrough, is now assistant at Wolves, and the Midlands club need an extra keeper, after missing out on Carlo Nash who has just gone to Manchester City.