DAVID Hodgson has reassured fans that Darlington chairman Stewart Davies will take every step in ensuring the club is left in safe hands.

Hodgson last night revealed Davies has set a timescale of two to three weeks for prospective buyers to step forward.

Former Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale was linked with a possible role at the club last week after holding discussions with Davies at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

The Sterling Consortium, which took control of the club in September, is unhappy that crowds have not improved, despite the arrival of several former Premiership stars and their lofty position in League Two.

Davies, according to Hodgson, has already injected a "phenomenal amount of money" to pay the club's running costs.

"The chairman is right behind this football club and he wants to do what is right by it," said Hodgson. "I'm sure he will want to leave it in the hands of somebody who has a real genuine love for football.

"The chairman doesn't really have that much of an interest in the game, although he has always done everything to ensure everything is run in the right manner.

"I can state the chairman will not let the club run into the hands of anybody who he doesn't feel will take it forward.

"Many would suggest that the club would come at a high price, but the stadium is worth £30m and I'm sure it's not going to be sold anywhere near that."

Hodgson's preference is for a local consortium of businessmen, who he feels would have the club's best interests at heart.

"We can't expect somebody to come in from outside this town and love the club," said Hodgson. "They might grow to love it, but we have to be realistic and accept that most would see it as a business venture.

"The chairman has held talks with one or two individuals and over the next two or three weeks he will see how things materialise. If nothing happens he will close all the doors and get on with making the club work."

Midfielder Adrian Webster is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Wycombe after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Webster limped off on 14 minutes despite telling Hodgson he was fit. "I asked Adrian why he went out on to the pitch, but he thought he was OK," said Hodgson. "That disappointed me because we had to reshuffle early."

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