THE fans’ company hoping to save the Quakers has published its financial projections in a bid to encourage investment.

Darlington FC 1883 says it is releasing the figures to reassure public and business investors that the club would be viable if £500,000 was raised.

Mark Meynell, from Darlington FC 1883, said: “There is a lot of extra detail that sits behind the headline figures which we cannot release, due to its sensitive and confidential nature. However, we hope that putting this information in the public domain demonstrates both our commitment to openness and clarity, and the fact that our projections are robust and realistic.”

At yesterday’s press conference, Darlington FC 1883 board members Mark Meynell and Stephen Weeks were joined by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman and administrator Harvey Madden.

Together, they provided an update of progress to date and outlined the next steps that need to be taken and the challenges that they present.

My Meynell added: “As a company, we are trying to raise £750,000, which is a major undertaking, and the project is on a knife edge.

“The situation with creditors is worse than we believed and the very low attendances at the last two games have not helped.

“So, we are having to revise our forecasts and business plan, and are working flat out to supply the administrator with the solid information that he needs that will allow him to start the process of making a Company Voluntary Agreement - a key milestone in securing the future of the club.”

He said this meant the second phase of the share sale was even more important.

“We are focused on the task of reaching the next target of £500,000,” he said.

“We still believe that we can succeed, but will only do so with the support of individuals and businesses.

“We really need to secure additional investment from the business community, which is why we have launched the 10 by 10 initiative, seeking ten more companies to invest £10,000 each, following the lead of the Northern Echo.

“I am delighted that the Priory Group has already committed to this programme and hope that will inspire others to come forward. If the campaign is not ultimately successful, funds will be returned to investors.”

Stephen Weeks, from Darlington FC 1883, said the group’s ambition was to turn Darlington FC into a genuinely community owned club.

He said: “The club is already an important part of the local community, but our plan will take that further.

“We have to consider the impact of losing this town’s only professional sports club, on both the community itself and the wider profile of Darlington. That’s why we are working hard to mobilise people and organisations throughout the town to work together and save our club.

“Pubs and clubs have already started fundraising initiatives of their own, with live entertainment and beer festivals. Meanwhile, a dress down day in schools has raised several thousand pounds, which is great to see and hugely appreciated. We’re building up to what will be ‘Save Darlo Day’ on 7 April, when the team takes on Grimsby Town at the Arena, for which the most successful fundraising pub”

Darlington FC administrator Harvey Madden stressed that the football club was not saved yet.

He said: “We have to get more fans along to the final few games of the season.

“On the pitch, Craig Liddle and the team are working minor miracles with the resources available, but we need the people of Darlington to turn up and give them every bit of support possible. To encourage fans, we are reducing prices for the remaining home games. The maximum price that adults will pay for tickets is £15 and other ticket prices will range from £5 to £15. Between now and Save Darlo Day is the opportunity for the people of Darlington to demonstrate that they want a football club.”