HARD-UP Darlington Football Club was last night waiting to hear if one of the game's governing bodies will impose its own deadline for the Quakers' fate to be decided.

Administrators Wilson Field have contacted the Football League to ask if it will set a date by which time the club's future must be resolved.

Further talks took place yesterday in an attempt to end the impasse which has left the 121-year-old club's future in the balance.

The Sterling Consortium, owner of the Reynolds Arena, is attempting to take over the playing side of the Quakers' business. But any deal hinges on the financiers reaching an agreement with former chairman and George Reynolds, the largest creditor.

There were talks between the two parties at the weekend, but a settlement has not yet reached.

The outcome of Mr Reynolds' bankruptcy hearing, initiated by Sterling, could have an impact on the club's future, but administrators are more concerned about the league's stance.

The hearing resumes in Newcastle on May 19, but Mr Reynolds' barrister has vowed to contest the case.

Administrators will sit down just days after the last game of the season on May 8, to consider whether the club has a viable future.

Joint administrator David Field said they were keen to discover whether the league would set a deadline for matters to be resolved so it could prepare next season's fixtures.

"Somebody will have to give an undertaking that next season's fixtures will be fulfilled and we certainly can't do that at the moment," he said.

League spokesman John Naigle would not comment on any deadline, but said fixture lists were published at the end of June.

"We will be seeking assurances from the administrators regarding the long-term future of the club, at the earliest possible opportunity," he said.

Read more about the Quakers here.