IT is a sad day for Darlington Football Club. It has been kicked while it's down and confusion still reigns.

Being relegated four divisions, into the Northern League, is a hard blow to take and it is a punishment which sends a clear message to the world of football about the way financial affairs are handled.

The decision appears to come down in the end to an outstanding issue with former chairman Raj Singh.

The FA says it based its decision on fans' company, Darlington 1883 (DFC 1883), which bought the club for £100,000, being unable to obtain the football share from Mr Singh so it has to be treated as a new club.

Mr Singh disputes that and insists he has transferred the share, so where does the truth lie? And if the share transfer is proven, does that still give Quakers hope of playing in a higher league?

One way or another, there needs to be clarity because the saga has dragged on too long. The campaign to save the club has been admirable but we now need to move on and rebuild.

The consolation for those who have fought so hard to save the club is that there will still a team playing in black and white hoops under the name of Darlington Football Club.

Given how close the Quakers came to liquidation, at least that is something.

The Northern League has a proud history and there are interesting times and fixtures ahead as Darlington begins the long climb back to the Football League.

Whatever happens, we will continue to support the club and cover its fortunes.

The Quakers may be down - but they are not out.