Quakers' fans to agree a way forward (From The Northern Echo)

Quakers' fans to agree a way forward

12:55pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Darlington FC News By Joe Willis, Regional chief reporter

FANS’ groups will meet on Thursday night with an aim of agreeing a way forward to secure the future of Darlington Football Club.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, the groups pledged to work together to examine whether a community takeover of the club was possible.

At tonight’s meeting it is hoped the groups will agree on which of two plans should be followed to achieve this aim.

The first proposal is being put together by Darlington Football Club Rescue Group.

Members have discussed their plan for a community club with administrator Harvey Madden and have the backing of Darlington MP Jenny Chapman.

They have received advice from Andrew Cawkwell, head of special situations at commercial law firm Muckle LLP, based in Newcastle.

An alternative proposal was this week announced by new group Darlington Supporters’ United, which has received help from experts in community ownership of sports clubs, Supporters Direct.

In a seperate development, the football club’s general manager, Jason Lees, today urged fans to help clear snow from the pitch ahead of Saturday’s game.

Despite appeals in the media, only two fans came forward to help this morning.

Mr Lees said: “If we can get the snow off we have a chance of the game being on.”