BOSSES at Darlington Football Club last night dismissed as idle speculation suggestions that former Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale is being lined up as a potential new owner.

Quakers chairman Stewart Davies had lunch with Mr Ridsdale at the Williamson Motors Stadium this week, sparking rumours he could become the new owner or take a chief executive role.

The club insist the meeting was merely a social occasion, and that the pair were long-standing friends from the same part of Yorkshire.

But The Northern Echo understands there may have been more to their discussions.

Mr Ridsdale would only say last night: "I have many friends in the game and I am having lunch with Peter Kenyon (chief executive of Chelsea FC) tomorrow - and I'm not buying Chelsea."

The former Leeds chairman, who stepped down as chairman of Barnsley on Christmas Eve with the Tykes facing financial troubles, has also been linked with moves for Blackpool and Wrexham.

At the end of last month, he denied suggestions he would be taking over at League One Blackpool.

He said he had watched a couple of the club's matches as guest of its chairman, Karl Oyston.

Days earlier, he refused to comment on reports that he was to step in as saviour of financially-stricken Wrexham.

Suggestions that Mr Ridsdale was eyeing a return to football with a lower league club resurfaced on Monday when he visited Darlington's £20m Williamson Motors Stadium.

The Sterling Consortium, the club's owner, is known to have been disappointed with home attendance this season, particularly after introducing a series of fan-friendly initiatives.

The financiers admitted they were reluctant owners when they took charge last May, but were anxious to get a return on the £4m they loaned to ex-chairman George Reynolds as the stadium was being built.

Darlington manager David Hodgson also told a recent fans' forum that Mr Davies was prepared to listen to offers for the club.

But a Darlington FC spokesman said last night: "Mr Davies and Mr Ridsdale have been friends for many years. Mr Ridsdale accepted an invitation for lunch with Mr Davies on Monday.

"There is no truth to the rumour that he'll be chief executive. Mr Davies is proud of the club and was showing it off to a friend. Anything suggesting that Mr Ridsdale is going to get involved is idle speculation."

Darlington Supporters' Trust last night declined to comment.