Darlington FC Placed in Administration

Tue 3rd Jan 2012 | Football Club Administration

Darlington Football Club have announced that they have been placed into administration.  

The club’s owner, Raj Singh said in a statement today:

"It is with huge regret that we've had to place the club into administration today. I for one certainly didn't envisage this when I took over the club back in August 2009.

"Over the last two months we've been trying to make necessary cutbacks to be able to ensure the future of the club, including negotiating reduced players' wages and a settlement with Mark Cooper.

"During this time we haven't been able to do that, while we also haven't received a viable offer to take the club over and its ongoing running costs.”

It was revealed earlier today that a consortium of local businessmen led by Mark Meynell and included former chairman, Steve Weeks, had been in talks with Singh over the possible takeover of the club.

"I was approached by one consortium this week, represented by two local businessmen, whom I admire for their intentions,” continued Singh.

But the talks look to have been fruitless after it was revealed that the group would need Singh to support the club financially until July at a cost of around £80,000 per month.

"In theory their approach is a very sensible one, but they made their short-term position very clear and it doesn't solve the current issues we face.

"But they now have an opportunity to discuss their proposals with the administrators and I wish them every success in taking the club forward.

"I'd again like to thank the fans who have sent me words of support and encouragement. I'd like to think the majority of our supporters are level-headed and understand my position, and know how hard I've worked to try to bring success to the club.

"I know I can leave the club knowing that I tried everything I possibly could to make Darlington FC work. But it also hinged on other parties playing their part and keeping their promises. Regrettably, that hasn't happened, and as our fans know that has all been well-documented.

"I also know that I've been as open and as transparent as I possibly could have been with the fans, from the day I walked through the door.

"I've been true to my word with the non-playing staff as well, who have all been fully paid up to the end of December.

"I'm truly sorry that it hasn't worked out and I genuinely hope it can be salvaged in some way."

The club, who are just five points off the relegation places in the Blue Square Premiership, now face a ten point deduction for falling into administration.

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