DARLINGTON Football Club’s administrator said the team may cease to exist by the weekend.

Despite having dozens of inquiries into buying the cashstrapped Quakers, administrator Harvey Madden said none had taken their initial interest further.

He pleaded with potential investors to come forward now otherwise the club’s 3-0 defeat to Barrow last weekend may prove to be the final game. Former chairman Raj Singh placed the club in administration last week after saying he was not prepared to put any money into it.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Madden, from accountants Taylor Rowlands, based in Yarm, near Stockton, said he had received interest from more than two dozen parties, but none had taken it further and some had withdrawn their inquiries.

He did not reveal any names, but said they were mostly business or experienced football people. He said: “Things are still dire. We have not had any definite interest.”

The club’s future was dealt a further blow on Monday when talks between Darlington Borough Council and landowners Philip Scott and Graham Sizer ended without agreement.

It was hoped the meeting would help resolve the issue of development on the land, but a joint statement said a major commercial development was unlikely. The issues are believed to have put off some of the other potential investors.

Mr Madden said he was not naturally pessimistic, but believed the club may not survive the end of the week.

Asked if it could be the end for the club, he said: “That is a sad possibility.

“It is sad, but I’m trying to give the reality of the situation.

We have got some hard and fast decisions to make by the end of the week. If anybody is interested, please come forward now, otherwise you will be too late.

“Without money, the club will not survive. I will have to make decisions by the end of the week and assess it.

“I want to try and save the club if at all possible, but I fear that will not happen.”

He said other sources of revenue, including collecting money from supporters or income from a league game would not provide him with the necessary long-term money to prevent liquidation.

Meanwhile, a new offer has come in for striker Liam Hatch, again believed to be from Gateshead