A CASH-STRAPPED football club will tell the football league it can guarantee its fixtures next season.

The annual meeting of the football league takes place today, in Portugal.

Darlington FC’s commercial director Christine Balford has said that, although there will be no club representatives at the meeting Quakers will be able to start the league next season.

The club is in the process of coming out of administration and the former chairman and owner, George Houghton, is in the process of negotiating a deal to sell the club to former vice-chairman Raj Singh.

Last night, Ms Balford said: “That’s all been sorted by George bringing the club out of administration.

“We will be able to start the season.

“There’s a conference in Portugal, the administrator is the person who should go but they’re not attending.

“What we can’t guarantee is who will be the owner next season. That’s still being sorted out.”

The news comes as the club has begun to re-employ staff who were laid off as part of the administration process.

Gary Ventress and Steve Holmes are returning as groundsman and maintenance man respectively.

The club is also looking to re-employ its former chef.

Ms Balford said: “It’s a gradual process. We’re trying to get ready for the start of the new season.”

■ The club has been paid a sum by KC Promotions for a Simpsons and Noddy-themed funfair which takes place at the Northern Echo Darlington Arena this weekend.

The funfair promises the usual attractions and starts today at 6pm with an introductory rate of £1 per ride.

It runs from noon until 9.30pm, on Saturday, and noon until 6pm, on Sunday.