IN the first eight weeks of his planned five-year stint in charge of Darlington Football Club, George Houghton has already started planning for the future of the "sleeping giant" he believes he has taken over.

The Tyneside-born property developer has introduced a new board of directors, has overseen the clear-out of five of the club's players and nine back-room staff, and has appointed 12 replacements.

Mr Houghton, 65, who bought the club for an undisclosed sum from former owner Stewart Davies, sees an overhaul of off-pitch activities as the key to on-pitch success.

And although Darlington FC missed out on a play-off spot in League Two last season, Mr Houghton is keen for the club to move on.

"First, we need to get automatic promotion next season - that's top of the list. It's very important," he said. "And from a personal point of view, we should be banging on the door of the Championship within five years. I have discussed it with David Hodgson, the club's manager and he believes it is possible as well.

"Financially, I must stress that everything you see at this club is paid for. This club owns everything you see, and there is no debt. I have had to clear a number of debts.

"I have put in a board of directors - they've never had that.

"This football club is part of this town and we all need to play a part in it.

"We need 100 per cent off the pitch as well as on, and I need Darlington's supporters to back me. I will give them what they require."

Mr Houghton insists he has taken over Darlington because of "my passion for football, simple as that," and he refutes claims it is a risky investment, despite speculation over the club's financial predicament.

Although little is known about the club's finances, a recent planning application suggested they may face bankruptcy if permission was not granted to hold non-football events, including concerts and boxing matches at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

Mr Houghton said the stadium - built by the club's disgraced former chairman George Reynolds - would play a huge part in the future of Darlington FC.

"Let's face it, how can you build a 27,500-seater stadium and not fill it?" he said. "It should have been built at 15,000, that's what I would have done. But it is fantastic that he Reynolds built this for Darlington. I'm going to make sure I finish it off for them.

"I believe we can bring people to the stadium to watch Darlington. If we get the kids here, we will get them here forever.

"My two grandsons, aged nine and ten, were Newcastle supporters, but since they have been coming here, Darlo is their number one. I want to try to do that with other youngsters."

While he admits to having "substantial" property interests in New York, Florida and Gibraltar, Mr Houghton is reluctant to discuss his business background, although he says that is through modesty rather than secrecy.

"I don't really like to talk about it. I don't like bragging, I'm not one of these flash individuals," he said. "But I am a winner, I like to win. And with my backing, I am going to take Darlington as far as I possibly can.

"As far as I am concerned, this is a sleeping giant. I'm here for five years and I'll give it my best shot."