UNDER-FIRE Tommy Taylor last night sent out a defiant message to disgruntled fans.

Twenty-four hours after the chairman's tight transfer budget put the mockers on Iyesdan Christie's loan transfer, supporters gathered at the tunnel to protest their disapproval towards Taylor following Quakers' drab 3-1 defeat to Torquay.

It would be understandable if Taylor decided to step down as manager - and rumours surrounded Feethams that he was about to offer his resignation.

With chairman George Reynolds seemingly having buried his wallet in the foundations of the new ground at Neasham Road, Taylor is frustrated but he says he's going to stick it out at Feethams.

"No, I won't be leaving, I'm going to stick it out and work with what I've got," he said.

"It is frustrating, very frustrating but what can I do about it? George sees it that we've got to battle through for the rest of the season."

Taylor takes Darlington back to his former club tomorrow night where he will demand a massive improvement on Saturday's display, but he admits he feels the same frustrations as the fans.

"I'm disappointed that I've not been able to get anybody in," said Taylor. "I've been trying to get someone in but if the chairman says we can't get anybody until next season then I have to battle on with what we've got.

"Considering I've hardly spent anything I haven't done too badly. I have bought Ian Clark and he's won us quite a few games since he's been here and he's done ever so well.

"I can't do any more until the summer and hopefully I'll bring in a coupe of faces. If George says no to new faces in the summer I'll have to make do with what I've got this year - those that have got a contract."

Taylor made no excuses for the lame display on Saturday, pinpointing Darlington's midfield for particular attention.

He said: "There's no pace in midfield, there's no passion in midfield. Normally you are worried if you give five passes away over the 90 minutes but it seemed like to some of them it didn't matter if we gave 110 passes away."

As half-time approached Reynolds vacated his seat in the directors box and stood in the dug-out, but Taylor denied the chairman was offering some tactical advice. "George just said 'this isn't very good is it?' and I told him that I knew that and he needn't bother worrying about it," explained Taylor.

"Someone chucked me a £1 and told me to buy a striker so I'll try to get one for 50p!"

* PR Director Luke Raine held an impromptu meeting in the East Stand as he dealt with complaints from several supporters at the full-time whistle who were angry with the actions of a steward.

The supporters had gathered at the tunnel to vent their feelings, but a steward was allegedly overly-physical as he prevented the irate fans from getting too close to players and Taylor

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