RAJ SINGH has withdrawn his offer to invest in Darlington – just 48 hours after his interest in a return became public, blaming online criticism for his u-turn.

Some supporters reacted angrily to the potential return of the club’s former chairman, who had wanted to invest £40,000 into the playing budget in return for 15 per cent of the club’s shares.

Fans were due to vote in a fortnight’s time on the investment.

But he told The Northern Echo: “The fans have already made their mind up. From what I saw yesterday on Facebook and messageboards, their minds are made up.

“I tried to help Martin. He needed a budget there, he’s had a lot of success.

“Everybody knows where that club is going now, so I’m out of the way. They can carry on, it’s their club, they can keep it.

“I wish them all the luck in the world because I don’t want to see it dying.

“It’s fine. It’s the fans’ club, they can keep it and I’ll stay out of the way.

“The Supporters Group know where I am, if they need my help they know where to find me.”

Darlington director John Tempest said: “Raj and his family have spent the last 48 hours viewing various social media platforms and in the light of the very negative comments being made, he and his family feel it is inappropriate to move forward with the possible investment. Raj’s initial commitment was to invest in the club, particularly the playing side, and in his words ‘he felt there was unfinished business’.

“As a consequence of his withdrawal and the reasons for it, a second potential investor has also decided not to continue exploring his potential involvement.

“Although social media can be a very useful tool, it can have very undesirable effects. I’m really not sure what the solution is as people who sit behind keyboards appear to be able to say anything without knowing the facts and not realising the potential impact in public of some ill-thought comments.

“I would like to thank Raj for his very generous £10,000 contribution towards the pitch fund.”

Singh was expected to take part in an online forum this evening to answer supporters’ questions.

The platform was seen as an opportunity for Singh to not only explain his plans, but also give his side of the story from 2012.

He was in charge when Darlington almost died when the club went into administration, and then refused to hand over the club’s football share, which meant a change of name was required.

Fans have clearly not forgotten Singh’s role in Darlington’s demise.

His three-year tenure also saw Darlington relegated from the Football League at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Under Martin Gray they have fought their way back up from the Northern League with three promotions in five seasons to reach the National League North, though the manager believes external investment is required if the club are to progress further.

He had sought involvement of potential investors, something he revealed at a fans’ forum last month, so Singh’s decision now places a question mark over the future of Gray and the backroom staff.

Gray is deeply disappointed that Singh will not be be investing in the club.