GEORGE REYNOLDS appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with money laundering offences.

The former chairman of Darlington Football Club spoke only to give his name, address and date of birth at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, County Durham.

Mr Reynolds, 68, of Monument Court, Durham City, is charged with two counts of conspiring to launder money between May 23 and June 18 in Darlington.

He also faces a money laundering charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act, alleged to have occurred between June 9 and July 13 in Darlington.

Mr Reynolds is also accused of evading a liability on June 10 and attempting to evade a liability between June 9 and July 13.

He appeared in court alongside his cousin, Richard Tennick, 58, of Bowling Green Lane, Manfield, North Yorkshire, and his personal assistant, Ian Robinson, 43, of Fulton Court, Shildon, County Durham.

They are both accused of two counts of conspiracy to launder money between May 23 and June 18. None of the three entered pleas.

The magistrates committed the case to Teesside Crown Court on December 20 and granted the trio unconditional bail.

Outside court, Mr Reynolds said it was "brilliant" that he would have the chance to challenge the allegations in public.

"I'm over the moon," he said.

"I'm confident that justice will be done.

"There's a lot that will come out of the woodworm at the end of the day.

"I'm not too worried or concerned about the situation."

Mr Reynolds was chairman of the Quakers for almost five years, saving the club from bankruptcy in 1999.

The club went into administration with crippling debts shortly before last Christmas, and Mr Reynolds stepped down as chairman in January.