Quakers' future hangs in balance as latest rescue deal collapses (From The Northern Echo)

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Quakers' future hangs in balance as latest rescue deal collapses

12:13pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Darlington Photograph of the Author By Joe Willis, Regional chief reporter

DEAL COLLAPSES: Future bleak as latest deal to save club collapses

THE future of Darlington Football Club hangs in the balance today following the collapse of a planned rescue deal.

Members of Darlington Football Club Rescue Group were hopeful they had found a financial backer prepared to support the launch of a community group to takeover the club and bring it out of administration.

However, the proposal collapsed on Tuesday and the potential investor has withdrawn his interest.

Members of the rescue group are meeting this morning to consider their next move.

In a further development, the formation of a new group, Darlington Supporters United (DSU), was announced late on Tuesday night.

The group states that it is made up of Darlington supporters’ organisations and individual supporters who are investigating the viability of moving the club into community ownership.

It is understood to be led by Tony Taylor, former chairman of Darlington Supporters' Trust, and has the backing of experts in community ownership, Supporters Direct.

Although the group’s website states that it has the support of the rescue group, members were unaware of the group’s launch this morning.

The Northern Echo has not been consulted about the formation of the group.

A statement issued by the DSU, which is circulating widely on the internet, says: “We are a community controlled organisation and the plan is to take at least majority control of the football club to ensure it is run for the benefit its fans and the wider community of our town. "

The statement adds that the DSU needs to raise at least £250,000. However, it is not clear whether this latest appeal is separate from on-going fund-raising by the rescue group and Darlington Supporters Club.

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It adds: “First of all, we need fans and the community to make a financial pledge to make this a reality.

“Remember, we don’t want money now, but we ask that in making a pledge, that it is followed through if and when we are ready to proceed.

“If it’s good enough for Chester, Wrexham, AFC Telford, Exeter, AFC Wimbledon and more than twenty other clubs, it’s good enough for Darlington.”

A meeting between all supporters’ groups is due to take place tonight.

The Northern Echo was unable to contact Mr Taylor this morning.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: "As the local paper, we have supported all efforts to save Darlington Football Club and will continue to do so. However, the situation has become confusing for fans, with a lull in communication, and there now needs to be greater clarity over how the various organisations involved will work together towards establishing a community-run club."

It is understood that Saturday's money-spinning home game against Wrexham is now likely to be called off due to the weather. The club then has three away games scheduled before a home fixture against Luton at the end of the month. However, with Luton winning in the FA Trophy last night, there may now not be a home game for Darlington until March.

Comments(31)

antagonist1 says...
12:59pm Wed 8 Feb 12

for fecks sake, let it go !!!!