IT'S threatening to become one of the most talked about games that may never happen.

The potential fourth-round FA Cup derby clash between Darlington and Newcastle is stirring a hornets' nest of opinion on exactly where the tie should be played.

With Darlington drawn out of the hat first, thoughts immediately turned to an emotional send-off for the Quakers' Feethams home before the switch to the new 25,000-seater stadium in the summer.

Then realism began to set in and a potential £400,000 windfall from a near full house at St James' Park, saw many decide that a switch of venues was indeed the best option.

What appears to have been overlooked is that Third Division Quakers have the small matter next Tuesday of overcoming Peterborough United - a team in the Second Division.

But if they can pull off a mini-upset next week, then thoughts will immediately turn to a game that has the potential to be the biggest in the club's history.

But should it be played at Feethams or St James'?

The two camps have developed their strategies - those in favour of the game switching to St James' speak of the cash and a day out to remember for 10,000 plus visiting fans.

Those backing the tie being played at Feethams believe it is Darlington's only possible chance of pulling off one of the greatest cup shocks ever, and a game the fans will be able to tell their grandchildren about in years to come.

The latest addition to the debate is the fact that Sky TV have chosen the game to televise live - provided it is played at the lower league side's home ground.

That means a possible kick-off at noon on Saturday or possibly, slightly more alarming to the residents of Darlington, 4pm on Sunday.

The police may also raise a question mark over the wisdom of a 4pm kick-off with a certain element of the crowd having around four hours to take on board as much alcohol as they can.

The Metropolitan Police in London decided a 7pm Sunday kick-off for the Arsenal versus Liverpool fourth-round tie was just too much trouble waiting to happen.

But apart from any kick-off time concerns, it would be a shock in the 21st century that the County Durham constabulary couldn't control around 9,000 fans in Darlington.

The only reason it can be switched, according to the FA, is on safety grounds, and if Darlington Police, who have already been contacted by the club, say it is not a problem then it would appear a non-starter.

Segregation at Feethams could prove a slightly larger headache for the stewards and police

Newcastle fans will undoubtedly take up their full 25 per cent allocation for the game, but keeping many others separate from the home fans may prove impossible.

With the majority of home tickets likely to go on general sale, the fact is Newcastle fans will be dotted around the crowd.

Although there is no real rivalry between the two clubs, the integration of fans could possibly lead to trouble, and a heady mixture of passion, regional rivalry and alcohol could prove too strong for a certain section of the crowd.

The St James' Park lobby is led by Darlington chairman George Reynolds, who has made the offer of paying for transport to take the Feethams faithful up to Newcastle. A generous act but one that in the end may prove fruitless.

The recent unsavoury scenes in Cardiff should prove a salutory lesson of the dangers that still exist with the emotions that football can generate in a certain section of the community.

Let's make sure that if, where and when the game takes place, it will be long-remembered for all the right reasons.

Read more about the Quakers here.

Read more about Newcastle here.