THERE is fresh hope for the future of Darlington Football Club after plans were unveiled last night for a community-based takeover of the stricken outfit.
But the people behind the proposal have stressed it can only prevail with the sustained support – financial and otherwise – of local individuals and businesses, possibly including Raj Singh.
The Quakers have been in administration since the start of the year, and remain so despite yesterday’s developments.
A day of fluctuating events saw potential investor Paul Wildes withdraw his interest in the club, and administrator Harvey Madden – of Yarm-based accountants Taylor Rowlands – begin to explore alternative options.
It ended with the Darlington FC Rescue Group (DFCRG) announcing a venture whereby the club would be run by fans and “local stakeholders”, rather than, though the specific logistics of this aspect remain unclear, one individual.
And Madden is understood to have given the DFCRG assurances that they will be afforded time to raise the necessary funds.
“It’s Darlington Football Club, for Darlington people,” said Doug Embleton, of DFCRG. The situation remains in the balance, but had looked a good deal graver earlier in the day, when talks over a financial settlement between venture capitalist Wildes and previous owner-chairman Singh broke down, leading to Wildes’ withdrawal.
“I am absolutely gutted,” he said. “It is one of the worst days I have had in business.”
At that stage, Madden’s employers released a statement which read: “Unfortunately, the prospective purchaser has withdrawn.
“However, he (Madden) is holding further meetings today to explore other options as a matter of urgency. Two further parties have shown interest and if the club is to survive he quickly needs to find a willing purchaser.”
By 6pm he had one such offer on the table.
Though unable to reveal precise details, Embleton and fellow DFCRG member Shaun Campbell met at the town’s Blackwell Grange Hotel to outline their strategy to develop a community-run club, along the lines of Ipswich Town and Barrow.
“We were aware that the various talks might hit the rocks so we got the structure together and put the concept to Harvey Madden, and he bought into it,” Embleton said.
“We have to have the plans in place within a reasonable time, and we believe we can achieve that.
“The key message is that this now gives us a very clear focus about what anybody’s money is for. Whether it’s 10p or £10,000, you’re giving your money so that you take charge of your local football club.”
He added: “Raj Singh is very supportive. It’s too soon to say if he’ll put capital in but I hope he does. He deserves and is welcome to this opportunity. The key is that no one individual can ever again, with this system, take control of the club. That’s why we’ve put in these very tight legal structures, which are approved by Supporters Direct and government authorities.
“The club can be run sustainably by the community, and it’s up to the community now. We need your help, your support, the money, and we’ll go for it.
“This town has at times become very complacent about its football club. This has got to stop. The only way is up.
“Less than three weeks ago this club was dead, but the corpse hadn’t been buried. The DFCRG revived it, it’s walking now and we’re going to take it to full health. It’s fantastic.”
Meanwhile, after the Football Conference handed him permission to sign players, despite a transfer embargo, because of injuries, Craig Liddle has bolstered his squad with the addition of former midfielder Clark Keltie on a non-contract basis and right-back Liam Bagnall, on loan from Sunderland. Ex-Middlesbrough trainee James Gray has left the club.
