Unite behind one plan to save Darlington Football Club (From The Northern Echo)

Unite behind one plan to save Darlington Football Club

6:59pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Peter Barron By Peter Barron

THE Northern Echo has supported attempts to save Darlington Football Club since it was placed in administration and we will continue to do so.

But if the Quakers are to have a future as a community-owned club, there can only be a single, united plan.

It is inconceivable to expect the local community to rally behind separate plans. It simply would not work.

The Darlington Football Club Rescue Group has been the body which has been at the heart of the rescue operation from the beginning. Without that small group of businessmen, there would now not be a football club to save.

The DFCRG presented their plan to administrator Harvey Madden today and it has the backing of Darlington MP Jenny Chapman who has worked tirelessly for the past four weeks to find a way forward.

The DFCRG has a crucial understanding with outgoing chairman Raj Singh and the group also continues to have our support because we believe it has the best chance of being successful.

But it can only work if all interested parties, including the Darlington Supporters Trust, come together and combine their resources, expertise and passion for the club.

It may yet end in failure but, as we said at the beginning of this difficult process, everyone in a position of influence should try their hardest to find a solution.

This is not a competition - it is campaign to save Darlington Football Club and everyone wants the same result.

There is no alternative but to work together if it is to be successful.