BULLDOZERS yesterday began demolishing Darlington Football Club's former stadium, in what players and fans called a "sad day for the town".

Feethams was identified for demolition last month, after site inspections revealed its rapidly-worsening state posed a risk to public safety.

The ground, which was home to Darlington FC from 1883 to 2003, has been subject to vandalism and arson attacks since the Quakers relocated to their new stadium in Neasham Road.

Despite pleas for Feethams to be preserved in some form, hopes were dashed yesterday as the pitch was dug up, and work to dismantle the stands began.

The West Stand was cleared last week, after it was damaged in an arson attack. It is understood that will be demolished first.

The future use of the Feethams site, which is owned by Darlington Cricket Field Trust, is likely to be for housing, but calls have been made for it to be turned into a community sports facility.

Darlington Cricket Club, which controls the trust, has said it hopes to use profits from the sale of the ground to build a cricket centre of excellence, and invest in other sports in the town.

Tony Taylor, chairman of Darlington Supporters' Trust, last night called the demolition a missed opportunity.

"The ground is part of the history of Darlington, and it is a very, very sad day for the town," he said.

"Feethams is part of the skyline, and has stood as a symbol of past successes, good times and bad times for our football club.

"It really is a missed opportunity for a facility that could benefit a lot of young people, and help with the development of sport at all levels."

Former Darlington FC captain Craig Liddle, who played in some of Feethams' most memorable matches, said: "I had probably my greatest times at the club at Feethams. We had some fantastic games there, especially the play-off ones. It is a really sad occasion."