New setback in Quakers rescue bid

8:40am Tuesday 10th January 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Matt Westcott

The Northern Echo Arena The Northern Echo Arena

HOPES of saving Darlington Football Club from extinction have been dealt a further blow after talks between the landowner and local council ended in stalemate.

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It was hoped yesterday’s meeting between the stadium owners and Darlington Borough Council would help resolve the issue of allowing development on the land surrounding the arena – which could help fund the cash-strapped club.

However, last night, in a joint statement, it was stated that any major commercial development – such as a supermarket – was unlikely to get planning permission.

While both parties have agreed to maintain a dialogue between each other, the news will come as a bitter blow to fans who are trying to prevent the club from going into liquidation.

Darlington FC has been in administration since the beginning of the month after its owner, Raj Singh, decided he could no longer keep covering its running costs.

Unless someone emerges in the next few days who is prepared to invest a sum of between £300,000 and £500,000 to keep the club running until the end of the season there are genuine fears that the club will cease to exist by the date of its next match with Fleetwood on January 21.

Yesterday’s meeting also tried to solve the problem of a covenant on the stadium site, stemming from when the council sold the land to former chairman George Reynolds.

The convenant states that the land can only be used for football purposes and if the site is sold for anything else, 75 per cent of any increase in the value of the land would go to the council.

However, in last night’s statement, the stadium owners, Philip Scott and Graham Sizer, and Darlington Borough Council said that because of the problems with obtaining planning permission, the issue of the covenant was moot.

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The statement said: “One option discussed was whether the existing stadium could be demolished and replaced with a smaller ground which was more economical for the club to run.

“However, to meet the cost of this, there would need to be significant capital gained from developing the site.

“It was agreed that the only commercially viable option would be to develop a large superstore or retail development on the site. However, this would be against local and national planning policy and would be highly unlikely to get planning permission. A large-scale development of this nature and in this location would have a negative impact on trade in the town centre.

“The removal or retention of the covenant on the land was not seen as an issue as there was no viable development discussed which would increase the value of the land.

“Nevertheless, the council and the landowners are continuing to have dialogue with any interested parties to see what possibilities there may be.”

Yesterday, it was revealed that Mr Scott and Mr Sizer had made an offer of £50,000 to keep the club running on the condition that an identical amount raised by the Darlington FC Supporters Trust was also made available.

A statement from the trust said it had not received any formal offer, but would consider any idea that was sustainable and that would safeguard the future of the club.

Yesterday, The Northern Echo made numerous phone calls to the trust, but it was unavailable for comment.

Comments (32)

6:39pm Mon 9 Jan 12

MSG says...

Look Darlington Borough council, this is about the survival of the towns football club. To hell with the covenent, lift it and allow a development that allows the football ground to be sold, & Darlington FC & the town could benefit from its sale. Darlington could get a new small ground and other monies could be used for the borough infrastructure projects such as the proposed alterations to the towns inner ring road system, keep open the arts centre, keep open the toilets & bowling greens around town etc.
Please do not site planning permission as you went against the majority of the townsfolk when you pedestrianised the town centre forcing too many lethal buses down Crown Street, and bottled up the road system with your bus routes!
If you do not lift it, then DBC may well be to balme for Darlington FC's demise!!
Look Darlington Borough council, this is about the survival of the towns football club. To hell with the covenent, lift it and allow a development that allows the football ground to be sold, & Darlington FC & the town could benefit from its sale. Darlington could get a new small ground and other monies could be used for the borough infrastructure projects such as the proposed alterations to the towns inner ring road system, keep open the arts centre, keep open the toilets & bowling greens around town etc. Please do not site planning permission as you went against the majority of the townsfolk when you pedestrianised the town centre forcing too many lethal buses down Crown Street, and bottled up the road system with your bus routes! If you do not lift it, then DBC may well be to balme for Darlington FC's demise!! MSG

6:50pm Mon 9 Jan 12

shoelessden says...

The council are absolutely right.This is a private company that needs to get its' house in order or go out of business.If they did make any move to do as they wish they will be tied up in expensive legal appeals that will take years,cost the taxpayer millions and result in further budget and job cuts.Darlington will survive without a football club-it has survived without much of a one for many years.This is Tory Britain 2012.Before this year is out there will be people in this town who have lost their homes and their jobs.A football club is not a priority in the lives of most people today.Every penny the council has must go to preserving jobs and services-squandering it on a private company that can't sustain itself is absolutely unacceptable.
The council are absolutely right.This is a private company that needs to get its' house in order or go out of business.If they did make any move to do as they wish they will be tied up in expensive legal appeals that will take years,cost the taxpayer millions and result in further budget and job cuts.Darlington will survive without a football club-it has survived without much of a one for many years.This is Tory Britain 2012.Before this year is out there will be people in this town who have lost their homes and their jobs.A football club is not a priority in the lives of most people today.Every penny the council has must go to preserving jobs and services-squandering it on a private company that can't sustain itself is absolutely unacceptable. shoelessden

7:07pm Mon 9 Jan 12

PaulMJohnson says...

I hate to say it, but the council is right. When the stadium was built, they were very clear that the land was to be used for a stadium for football use only. It was one of the provisions of the planning permission for the stadium to be built. The council has been nothing if not consistent with their approach.

As for MSG's comment about this being about the survival of the towns football club, why is that actually any of the councils business. It's sad to say, but Darlington, a town of 100,000 has a team that attracts 2,000 supporters. Why should the council make a decision to save a business that only 2% of the population are interested in?

It's awful for those of us who do support Darlington Football Club, but the idea that football is so important that a town has to have a club is just not valid.

DFC need to be liquidated, and re-formed without the albatross of that ridiculous stadium.
I hate to say it, but the council is right. When the stadium was built, they were very clear that the land was to be used for a stadium for football use only. It was one of the provisions of the planning permission for the stadium to be built. The council has been nothing if not consistent with their approach. As for MSG's comment about this being about the survival of the towns football club, why is that actually any of the councils business. It's sad to say, but Darlington, a town of 100,000 has a team that attracts 2,000 supporters. Why should the council make a decision to save a business that only 2% of the population are interested in? It's awful for those of us who do support Darlington Football Club, but the idea that football is so important that a town has to have a club is just not valid. DFC need to be liquidated, and re-formed without the albatross of that ridiculous stadium. PaulMJohnson

7:31pm Mon 9 Jan 12

harry2 says...

I can't help wondering the more this goes on the more it is to do with land and money and nothing to do with a football club
I can't help wondering the more this goes on the more it is to do with land and money and nothing to do with a football club harry2

7:49pm Mon 9 Jan 12

temp40 says...

Firstly Scott & Sizer ignore Raj for 18 months knowing the outcome, then when that's come to fruition they push the council into a corner and push them to renegotiate the covenants on the land, precisely what Raj has been asking for the 18 months so he could make an appropriate bid to S&S. If I didnt want the club to survive I'd love to see them fall flat on their faces. DBC are now in a difficult position but totally one of their own making.
Firstly Scott & Sizer ignore Raj for 18 months knowing the outcome, then when that's come to fruition they push the council into a corner and push them to renegotiate the covenants on the land, precisely what Raj has been asking for the 18 months so he could make an appropriate bid to S&S. If I didnt want the club to survive I'd love to see them fall flat on their faces. DBC are now in a difficult position but totally one of their own making. temp40

7:55pm Mon 9 Jan 12

Old Bogeyes says...

the council aint in a difficult position at all !!!,,,,the council have no right to use our money (the taxpayer) to fund a bloody football club,,,.
the council aint in a difficult position at all !!!,,,,the council have no right to use our money (the taxpayer) to fund a bloody football club,,,. Old Bogeyes

7:56pm Mon 9 Jan 12

temp40 says...

Old Bogeyes wrote:
the council aint in a difficult position at all !!!,,,,the council have no right to use our money (the taxpayer) to fund a bloody football club,,,.
You obviosuly have no love for your local football club.
[quote][p][bold]Old Bogeyes[/bold] wrote: the council aint in a difficult position at all !!!,,,,the council have no right to use our money (the taxpayer) to fund a bloody football club,,,.[/p][/quote]You obviosuly have no love for your local football club. temp40

7:57pm Mon 9 Jan 12

swagger says...

Just a point, a Tesco store would provide over 300 much needed jobs.
which in turn provides spending power for the area.
DBC got it wrong for allowing the Arena to built in the first place, and been consistant with the covenent, is one thing been consistanly wrong with it is another. The ground was always to big for the club.
So what happens next, DFC are liquidated, and new club is formed and plays it football at another venue, what happens to the big white elephant?
It will just sit there as monument to DBC. No one will want to pay to knock it down, as you cannot build anything on the site.
But DBC can a still say we have been consistant.
Talk about working together........
Just a point, a Tesco store would provide over 300 much needed jobs. which in turn provides spending power for the area. DBC got it wrong for allowing the Arena to built in the first place, and been consistant with the covenent, is one thing been consistanly wrong with it is another. The ground was always to big for the club. So what happens next, DFC are liquidated, and new club is formed and plays it football at another venue, what happens to the big white elephant? It will just sit there as monument to DBC. No one will want to pay to knock it down, as you cannot build anything on the site. But DBC can a still say we have been consistant. Talk about working together........ swagger

8:10pm Mon 9 Jan 12

benthompson says...

@swagger

An additional supermarket will merely take self employed shop keepers and replace them with 300 part time shelf stackers on minimum wage.

A Tesco supermarket will do nothing for the local economy.
@swagger An additional supermarket will merely take self employed shop keepers and replace them with 300 part time shelf stackers on minimum wage. A Tesco supermarket will do nothing for the local economy. benthompson

8:21pm Mon 9 Jan 12

Liamsm says...

I am not a Darlington fan, however I do support a North East Premier League team. I know what a football team means to the fans so some of the comments posted do seem rather blunt. My thoughts are the team do need to get away from that awful stadium.....no atmosphere, dreadful location and far too many people involved who are not interested in DFC. The council are right i am afraid to say, however some of the comments regarding loosing homes and jobs has no relevance what so ever to do with Dfc, it is the country that we live in I am afraid. As for the council saving money and securing jobs I suggest they take a closer look at what they currently do. I have paid for bloody fireworks for however long, blokes sleeping in vans for hours at a time, rubbish not getting collected and 10 blokes at a time planting bloody flowers on roundabouts to name just a few. Poor public sector workers....Mark my words the stadium will be a supermarket...watch this space.
I am not a Darlington fan, however I do support a North East Premier League team. I know what a football team means to the fans so some of the comments posted do seem rather blunt. My thoughts are the team do need to get away from that awful stadium.....no atmosphere, dreadful location and far too many people involved who are not interested in DFC. The council are right i am afraid to say, however some of the comments regarding loosing homes and jobs has no relevance what so ever to do with Dfc, it is the country that we live in I am afraid. As for the council saving money and securing jobs I suggest they take a closer look at what they currently do. I have paid for bloody fireworks for however long, blokes sleeping in vans for hours at a time, rubbish not getting collected and 10 blokes at a time planting bloody flowers on roundabouts to name just a few. Poor public sector workers....Mark my words the stadium will be a supermarket...watch this space. Liamsm

8:22pm Mon 9 Jan 12

capt manners says...

Reduce the size of the car park drastically. premier league clubs dont have car parks that big!!! Develop this space with restaurants and bars etc. Entice a cinema to purhase nearby land and hey presto an entertainment area for the town bringing jobs and money. DEPENDANT ON A FLEXIBLE /CAN DO COUNCIL
Reduce the size of the car park drastically. premier league clubs dont have car parks that big!!! Develop this space with restaurants and bars etc. Entice a cinema to purhase nearby land and hey presto an entertainment area for the town bringing jobs and money. DEPENDANT ON A FLEXIBLE /CAN DO COUNCIL capt manners

8:26pm Mon 9 Jan 12

msmedley21 says...

why should dbc bail dfc out, they never helped croft circuit when them moaning old gits complained and now its knackered. let them sink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! motorsport is far more entertaining than non league football, go watch the RA they are far better
why should dbc bail dfc out, they never helped croft circuit when them moaning old gits complained and now its knackered. let them sink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! motorsport is far more entertaining than non league football, go watch the RA they are far better msmedley21

8:27pm Mon 9 Jan 12

MrMorden says...

Eyes is right. This is a football club and not some arm of Darlo Council services. It cant spend ratepayers money into a private company sports club and especially in times of cutbacks.

Its time to face reality. The Arena will be demolished and replaced with either a retail outlet or "Luxury Apartments"...."The Skerne Riverfront Towers" has a ring to it.
Eyes is right. This is a football club and not some arm of Darlo Council services. It cant spend ratepayers money into a private company sports club and especially in times of cutbacks. Its time to face reality. The Arena will be demolished and replaced with either a retail outlet or "Luxury Apartments"...."The Skerne Riverfront Towers" has a ring to it. MrMorden

9:02pm Mon 9 Jan 12

gramps427 says...

It was always the case that the land where the stadium is was for sport; it once held a cricket ground. George Reynolds wanted to develop Feetham's but was unable to as it was under the control of the cricket club so choose this site to build a new ground that the club would own. George Houghton had planning permission to build a football academy/5 a side sports area and a hotel on the land behind the Arena; it was granted because it was meant to support the club financially; but it was never developed. George Houghton then separated the club from the ground and used it as collateral for a loan. The club were allowed to hold pop concerts and held a successful one with Elton John; Raj Singh admitted he could have held another with Status Quo but turned it down, why, because he was afraid it would not make money! He was never in a position to sell the ground because he didn't own it; both George Houghton and Raj Singh failed to make the repayments and the Ground became the property of Mr Scott & Sizer. It was bad management & decision making by Houghton and Singh that has brought the club to its knee's, not the running cost of the ground. Now that Mr Singh has told the world that he will walk away without a penny, what we need to know is what that means in terms of money owed by the club; is that a generous act removing the majority of the debt from any potential buyer or not?
It was always the case that the land where the stadium is was for sport; it once held a cricket ground. George Reynolds wanted to develop Feetham's but was unable to as it was under the control of the cricket club so choose this site to build a new ground that the club would own. George Houghton had planning permission to build a football academy/5 a side sports area and a hotel on the land behind the Arena; it was granted because it was meant to support the club financially; but it was never developed. George Houghton then separated the club from the ground and used it as collateral for a loan. The club were allowed to hold pop concerts and held a successful one with Elton John; Raj Singh admitted he could have held another with Status Quo but turned it down, why, because he was afraid it would not make money! He was never in a position to sell the ground because he didn't own it; both George Houghton and Raj Singh failed to make the repayments and the Ground became the property of Mr Scott & Sizer. It was bad management & decision making by Houghton and Singh that has brought the club to its knee's, not the running cost of the ground. Now that Mr Singh has told the world that he will walk away without a penny, what we need to know is what that means in terms of money owed by the club; is that a generous act removing the majority of the debt from any potential buyer or not? gramps427

9:02pm Mon 9 Jan 12

gramps427 says...

It was always the case that the land where the stadium is was for sport; it once held a cricket ground. George Reynolds wanted to develop Feetham's but was unable to as it was under the control of the cricket club so choose this site to build a new ground that the club would own. George Houghton had planning permission to build a football academy/5 a side sports area and a hotel on the land behind the Arena; it was granted because it was meant to support the club financially; but it was never developed. George Houghton then separated the club from the ground and used it as collateral for a loan. The club were allowed to hold pop concerts and held a successful one with Elton John; Raj Singh admitted he could have held another with Status Quo but turned it down, why, because he was afraid it would not make money! He was never in a position to sell the ground because he didn't own it; both George Houghton and Raj Singh failed to make the repayments and the Ground became the property of Mr Scott & Sizer. It was bad management & decision making by Houghton and Singh that has brought the club to its knee's, not the running cost of the ground. Now that Mr Singh has told the world that he will walk away without a penny, what we need to know is what that means in terms of money owed by the club; is that a generous act removing the majority of the debt from any potential buyer or not?
It was always the case that the land where the stadium is was for sport; it once held a cricket ground. George Reynolds wanted to develop Feetham's but was unable to as it was under the control of the cricket club so choose this site to build a new ground that the club would own. George Houghton had planning permission to build a football academy/5 a side sports area and a hotel on the land behind the Arena; it was granted because it was meant to support the club financially; but it was never developed. George Houghton then separated the club from the ground and used it as collateral for a loan. The club were allowed to hold pop concerts and held a successful one with Elton John; Raj Singh admitted he could have held another with Status Quo but turned it down, why, because he was afraid it would not make money! He was never in a position to sell the ground because he didn't own it; both George Houghton and Raj Singh failed to make the repayments and the Ground became the property of Mr Scott & Sizer. It was bad management & decision making by Houghton and Singh that has brought the club to its knee's, not the running cost of the ground. Now that Mr Singh has told the world that he will walk away without a penny, what we need to know is what that means in terms of money owed by the club; is that a generous act removing the majority of the debt from any potential buyer or not? gramps427

9:02pm Mon 9 Jan 12

the greek says...

if ever there was a time for darlo fans to get real its now the simple facts are the council have to protect council tax payers, money and wishes and as only 2%of the towns population bothers with the club the decision is simple for them. supporters need to stop feeling sorry for themseves and be proactive in forming a new club that belongs to them.
if ever there was a time for darlo fans to get real its now the simple facts are the council have to protect council tax payers, money and wishes and as only 2%of the towns population bothers with the club the decision is simple for them. supporters need to stop feeling sorry for themseves and be proactive in forming a new club that belongs to them. the greek

10:32pm Mon 9 Jan 12

rockfordIL says...

Well, bugger me old boots! I never thought I'd see so many people supporting DFC. It makes you think they may be doing summat right!
I think it has been stated that a supermarket will not get planning permission, is that right? Anyhow, you've only got Skerne park and Firthmoor has potential customers.
So... my idea is, make it into council allotments. There must be case for leek growing being a sporting event!
Well, bugger me old boots! I never thought I'd see so many people supporting DFC. It makes you think they may be doing summat right! I think it has been stated that a supermarket will not get planning permission, is that right? Anyhow, you've only got Skerne park and Firthmoor has potential customers. So... my idea is, make it into council allotments. There must be case for leek growing being a sporting event! rockfordIL

10:38pm Mon 9 Jan 12

rockfordIL says...

Oh... and by the way... I bet Marcus Nimmo and his lot are laughing their socks off!
Oh... and by the way... I bet Marcus Nimmo and his lot are laughing their socks off! rockfordIL

10:41pm Mon 9 Jan 12

BigChopper says...

"A large scale development of this nature and in this location would have a negative impact on trade in the town centre."

Ha ha,  the town centre's had it anyway.  I don't know many people the go into Darlington for their shopping anymore, not since it turned into a magnet for chavs.

Darlington needs a football club and it needs somewhere other members of the community can go, either to do some shopping or go out on a night for a meal without having to travel into the scummy town centre and wondering where he next fight will break out.

A smaller ground and some new bars and restaurants on the same site would be great.

I don't blame the council for what's happened to the club, but if they could help by relaxing the covenants so that the club could survive and give us something else to do in the town, that would be great.

#youaremydarlo
"A large scale development of this nature and in this location would have a negative impact on trade in the town centre." Ha ha,  the town centre's had it anyway.  I don't know many people the go into Darlington for their shopping anymore, not since it turned into a magnet for chavs. Darlington needs a football club and it needs somewhere other members of the community can go, either to do some shopping or go out on a night for a meal without having to travel into the scummy town centre and wondering where he next fight will break out. A smaller ground and some new bars and restaurants on the same site would be great. I don't blame the council for what's happened to the club, but if they could help by relaxing the covenants so that the club could survive and give us something else to do in the town, that would be great. #youaremydarlo BigChopper

11:12pm Mon 9 Jan 12

msmedley21 says...

will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine
will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine msmedley21

11:21pm Mon 9 Jan 12

Old Bogeyes says...

msmedley21 wrote:
will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine
Oh dear,,,,,your not allowed to call these people on here "you lot",,,hells bells,,they shot me down in flames when i said that !!!,,,they can be very nasty on here can them lot !!!.
[quote][p][bold]msmedley21[/bold] wrote: will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine[/p][/quote]Oh dear,,,,,your not allowed to call these people on here "you lot",,,hells bells,,they shot me down in flames when i said that !!!,,,they can be very nasty on here can them lot !!!. Old Bogeyes

11:41pm Mon 9 Jan 12

msmedley21 says...

Old Bogeyes wrote:
msmedley21 wrote: will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine
Oh dear,,,,,your not allowed to call these people on here "you lot",,,hells bells,,they shot me down in flames when i said that !!!,,,they can be very nasty on here can them lot !!!.
well like i care!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[quote][p][bold]Old Bogeyes[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]msmedley21[/bold] wrote: will you people leave nimmo alone he has done nothing to you lot and is a dear friend of mine[/p][/quote]Oh dear,,,,,your not allowed to call these people on here "you lot",,,hells bells,,they shot me down in flames when i said that !!!,,,they can be very nasty on here can them lot !!!.[/p][/quote]well like i care!!!!!!!!!!!!! msmedley21

11:58pm Mon 9 Jan 12

jewitt says...

I would ask those people so disparaging of DFc to think of one entertainment in the town that can attract over 1500 people. Regardless, let us picture a piece of land with a white elephant sitting on going to rot. Is that what you want? I accept that DBC have to adhere to national planning laws on retail development although it doesn't seem to stop Sainsburys presence in the 'town' and the new Debenhams and a threat to loca trade. I'm also concerned that we don't limit 'community benefit' to public facilities only as that would detract from the enormous benefit that private companies bring in jobs. However if that is the prevailing ideology then let us think about building a Government Office on the site that would house the myriad of civl service/agencies that are spread across the town probably with expensive rents. Surely, economies can be made by being under one roof and surely part of the growth by infrastructure agenda. Alternatively, a new hospital or perhaps a multiplex which the town really needs. C'mon political leaders we need some pro-active strategic vision. This isn't a time to be hiding behind rules and regulations. We need to resolve this situation for the benefit of DFC but more importantly for the community as a whole.
I would ask those people so disparaging of DFc to think of one entertainment in the town that can attract over 1500 people. Regardless, let us picture a piece of land with a white elephant sitting on going to rot. Is that what you want? I accept that DBC have to adhere to national planning laws on retail development although it doesn't seem to stop Sainsburys presence in the 'town' and the new Debenhams and a threat to loca trade. I'm also concerned that we don't limit 'community benefit' to public facilities only as that would detract from the enormous benefit that private companies bring in jobs. However if that is the prevailing ideology then let us think about building a Government Office on the site that would house the myriad of civl service/agencies that are spread across the town probably with expensive rents. Surely, economies can be made by being under one roof and surely part of the growth by infrastructure agenda. Alternatively, a new hospital or perhaps a multiplex which the town really needs. C'mon political leaders we need some pro-active strategic vision. This isn't a time to be hiding behind rules and regulations. We need to resolve this situation for the benefit of DFC but more importantly for the community as a whole. jewitt

12:26am Tue 10 Jan 12

ace38 says...

On the sign where it says "Welcome to Darlington" they should add "the town which killed football."
What a lot of moaning skinflints!
Hope you enjoy your summer holidays in the Costa Scarborough.
On the sign where it says "Welcome to Darlington" they should add "the town which killed football." What a lot of moaning skinflints! Hope you enjoy your summer holidays in the Costa Scarborough. ace38

1:04am Tue 10 Jan 12

Old Bogeyes says...

ace38 wrote:
On the sign where it says "Welcome to Darlington" they should add "the town which killed football." What a lot of moaning skinflints! Hope you enjoy your summer holidays in the Costa Scarborough.
why ?,,,,,,does scarborough have a football team ?,,,,and a nice sign saying "welcome to scarborough" the town which has a football team.
[quote][p][bold]ace38[/bold] wrote: On the sign where it says "Welcome to Darlington" they should add "the town which killed football." What a lot of moaning skinflints! Hope you enjoy your summer holidays in the Costa Scarborough.[/p][/quote]why ?,,,,,,does scarborough have a football team ?,,,,and a nice sign saying "welcome to scarborough" the town which has a football team. Old Bogeyes

1:09am Tue 10 Jan 12

Old Bogeyes says...

anyhow,,,,,,never mind all this football frolics,,,,lets get some news on about how well DTV airport is doing,,,,,or rather not doing.
anyhow,,,,,,never mind all this football frolics,,,,lets get some news on about how well DTV airport is doing,,,,,or rather not doing. Old Bogeyes

11:36am Tue 10 Jan 12

paula46 says...

I am amazed at the DBC bashers on here.When reynolds bought the land and built the stadium,he knew EXACTLY what the restrictions were,and still went ahead.The council should not get involved in the clubs problems-they are there to govern,not subsidise football clubs,art centres,theatres,bow
ling greens etc.The fact that dfc have gone into administration 3 times in 9 years would indicate that the club cannot continue in its present form and no ammount of name calling or blame aportioning will change that.Time for a realistic and economically sustainable solution to be sought however painful.
I am amazed at the DBC bashers on here.When reynolds bought the land and built the stadium,he knew EXACTLY what the restrictions were,and still went ahead.The council should not get involved in the clubs problems-they are there to govern,not subsidise football clubs,art centres,theatres,bow ling greens etc.The fact that dfc have gone into administration 3 times in 9 years would indicate that the club cannot continue in its present form and no ammount of name calling or blame aportioning will change that.Time for a realistic and economically sustainable solution to be sought however painful. paula46

12:32pm Tue 10 Jan 12

darlo8777 says...

If only 2% of the towns population supports the towns club let us give our council tax money to our club!! DBC is the worse in the country FACT, we don't even have decent bins just stinking bin liners on the floor!!! Once the club has died let's see what happens to the arena maybe another gypsy site or country walk!! Rip old friend 1883...
If only 2% of the towns population supports the towns club let us give our council tax money to our club!! DBC is the worse in the country FACT, we don't even have decent bins just stinking bin liners on the floor!!! Once the club has died let's see what happens to the arena maybe another gypsy site or country walk!! Rip old friend 1883... darlo8777

1:17pm Tue 10 Jan 12

MrMorden says...

"That killed football"...oh right we made DFC move into that white elephant stadium did we. The club did it to themselves.

Now the chickens have come home to roost its blame the non-football fans, those who cant afford to go and those who support other clubs.

When Darlo moved to the new stadium they were only getting on average about 3,000 fans. Why build one with 22,000 extra seats?!?!? Delusional..the sooner this bad soap opera ends the better.
"That killed football"...oh right we made DFC move into that white elephant stadium did we. The club did it to themselves. Now the chickens have come home to roost its blame the non-football fans, those who cant afford to go and those who support other clubs. When Darlo moved to the new stadium they were only getting on average about 3,000 fans. Why build one with 22,000 extra seats?!?!? Delusional..the sooner this bad soap opera ends the better. MrMorden

7:47pm Tue 10 Jan 12

Liamsm says...

PaulMJohnson wrote:
I hate to say it, but the council is right. When the stadium was built, they were very clear that the land was to be used for a stadium for football use only. It was one of the provisions of the planning permission for the stadium to be built. The council has been nothing if not consistent with their approach.

As for MSG's comment about this being about the survival of the towns football club, why is that actually any of the councils business. It's sad to say, but Darlington, a town of 100,000 has a team that attracts 2,000 supporters. Why should the council make a decision to save a business that only 2% of the population are interested in?

It's awful for those of us who do support Darlington Football Club, but the idea that football is so important that a town has to have a club is just not valid.

DFC need to be liquidated, and re-formed without the albatross of that ridiculous stadium.
2% of the towns populations watch DFC......really?? I would be interested to know how many supporters actually travel from the surrounding towns and villages, quite a few I guess. 2 premier league teams within 40 mile radius and possibly a 3rd soon selling tickets at £10 for kids and just over £24 for adults to watch the likes of Henry, Gerrard, Silva and Baleto name just a few!! Hard times.
[quote][p][bold]PaulMJohnson[/bold] wrote: I hate to say it, but the council is right. When the stadium was built, they were very clear that the land was to be used for a stadium for football use only. It was one of the provisions of the planning permission for the stadium to be built. The council has been nothing if not consistent with their approach. As for MSG's comment about this being about the survival of the towns football club, why is that actually any of the councils business. It's sad to say, but Darlington, a town of 100,000 has a team that attracts 2,000 supporters. Why should the council make a decision to save a business that only 2% of the population are interested in? It's awful for those of us who do support Darlington Football Club, but the idea that football is so important that a town has to have a club is just not valid. DFC need to be liquidated, and re-formed without the albatross of that ridiculous stadium.[/p][/quote]2% of the towns populations watch DFC......really?? I would be interested to know how many supporters actually travel from the surrounding towns and villages, quite a few I guess. 2 premier league teams within 40 mile radius and possibly a 3rd soon selling tickets at £10 for kids and just over £24 for adults to watch the likes of Henry, Gerrard, Silva and Baleto name just a few!! Hard times. Liamsm

11:06pm Wed 11 Jan 12

spragger says...

There is just not the wherewithall in this town to make it happen. A collision of incompetents

Quiet MP, **** Council & no Football club
Sounds about right . .
There is just not the wherewithall in this town to make it happen. A collision of incompetents Quiet MP, **** Council & no Football club Sounds about right . . spragger

9:55am Sat 14 Jan 12

Quaker79 says...

MrMorden, the only people who wanted the stadium built are George Reynolds, who thought of it, and Darlington Borough Council, who agreed to it after not having the guts to say no. These were the only 'delusional' people involved, and the reason for the subsequent soap opera to which you refer.
MrMorden, the only people who wanted the stadium built are George Reynolds, who thought of it, and Darlington Borough Council, who agreed to it after not having the guts to say no. These were the only 'delusional' people involved, and the reason for the subsequent soap opera to which you refer. Quaker79

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