The Darlington Football Club opera continued yesterday with the adjournment of a heated creditors' meeting. The Northern Echo looks at what could happen next in the Quakers' saga.

AS a few rank-and-file creditors slipped out of Darlington Football Club's home yesterday afternoon, the fiery debates between the key players continued inside.

After months of speculation and uncertainty, claim and counter-claim, the second creditors' meeting was seen as an occasion that might provide some long-awaited clues as to the Quakers' fate.

In the end, there was no such luck for long-suffering fans, unsure if they have watched the last Quakers game.

Just after noon, joint administrator David Field confirmed that proceedings had been adjourned until Tuesday -three days before the Football League's deadline for matters to be resolved.

He will now investigate the claims submitted by the creditors, whose votes will decide whether the club continues.

Creditors will be asked to decide on a Sterling Consortium-funded company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

The finance group is offering £150,000, a paltry sum when compared to the millions that are owed.

The proposal has little backing among creditors. The most influential figures, Sterling aside, are not in favour and are prepared to vote against the CVA.

The adjournment leaves a variety of possible outcomes. The critical issue is how large Mr Reynolds' and Sterling's shares of the vote will be.

Both have submitted substantial claims, backed by documentary evidence. It is now up to Mr Field to make a judgement on that evidence and decide how powerful both parties will be on Tuesday.

If Mr Reynolds' claim is worth more than 25 per cent of the total debt, he will have the power to veto the CVA.

But his bankruptcy hearing, which takes place today, could have a bearing.

If the former chairman is made bankrupt, a trustee would be appointed by his creditors to handle his affairs and would also take his vote at Tuesday's meeting.

With Sterling his main creditor, it is possible the trustee could be appointed by the financiers and may lean more towards their way of thinking.

A vote in favour from the trustee, plus Sterling's yes vote, could rescue the club.

If Mr Reynolds is not made bankrupt, he will retain his vote. With the majority of creditors already against the proposal, that would signal the end of the Quakers.

Guessing the outcome of the saga is difficult, although both administrators and fans' groups admit things are looking grim. Whichever way it goes, time is not on Darlington's side.

As a result, Darlington Supporters' Trust is thought to be considering the formation of a new club, which would have to start near the base of the English football pyramid.

Chairman Tony Taylor said: "That is one of the numerous options we are looking into in the event that the football club folds. But, we are thoroughly committed to keeping the club going in its present format and hope that, eventually, it can look forward to a bright future."

Read more about the Quakers here.