FOOTBALL is big business. Even in the lower divisions, surprisingly large amounts of money are at stake.

Last July, The Northern Echo caused a national stir by publishing details of surprising amounts of money paid to footballers playing for Darlington Football Club.

We took that controversial step because a debate was already raging in the public arena about the actions being taken to cut the wage bill by new chairman George Reynolds.

We decided to let the fans make up their own minds and published the wages list provided by Mr Reynolds, together with details of bonuses.

After all, it is supposed to be "the people's game" and it is the fans spending their hard-earned money at the turnstiles who make or break a football club.

Mr Reynolds' criticism of the wage structure inevitably reflected on those who ran the club before him, including then manager David Hodgson.

Up until last week, Mr Hodgson had remained silent. Then he snapped and rang Century FM in response to on-air criticisms made by Mr Reynolds.

Mr Hodgson is due to continue the debate on the radio station this morning. He will be given the chance to defend his management decisions, as he should be in the spirit of fairness.

The Northern Echo also wants to be fair. We have not sought to take sides.

George Reynolds has had plenty to say but, despite our best attempts, David Hodgson has decided not to give us his version of events.

There is a danger now that it could all get out of hand. Feelings are running high, and there is intense bitterness behind the scenes.

But we retain the view that it will be a sorry day when football fans are prevented from being told the truth. It may be an old-fashioned view in the modern, cash-crazy sporting age, but we believe football clubs, like politics, should be transparent.

Questions about the way Darlington Football Club was run under past regimes, and how it is run now, are being asked.

It is entirely correct that they are - but they must be answered in a dignified, mature, and honest way because the mess has to be cleared up before a new era for Darlington FC can really dawn