BOSSES at a North-East football club have ordered their star players to visit the bar on every match day this season - to discuss their performances with supporters.

Darlington FC has introduced a policy ensuring that fans will not only have each other's company for the traditional post-match debate - they will be mingling with the very people they are analysing.

Players have been told to go into the bars at the club's Neasham Road stadium for up to an hour-and-a-half after each home game.

They will discuss the previous 90 minutes' action with supporters, as well as sign autographs.

The initiative is part of the club's efforts to be more accessible to supporters, and is certain to ensure that players are going all out for victory each week.

Chairman Stewart Davies said: "All the players will go into the public bars after the games to discuss them with fans.

"Their contract provides for them to spend time engaging with the fans and to help the club. We think it's a good idea and a novel experience for the fans.

"Some clubs are very protective of their players and think it's not a good idea for them to mix with the fans, but the fans are there to be entertained."

The policy was announced yesterday, as the Quakers geared up for Saturday's opening match of the League Two campaign, away to Rushden and Diamonds.

Mr Davies said there would also be 12 supporters' evenings hosted by the club throughout the season, with first-team players appearing at each event to talk to fans.