THE new owner of Darlington Football Club's stadium yesterday sent out a clear message to fans that the George Reynolds era was over.

On another remarkable day in the Quakers' recent history, the Reynolds Arena signs were pulled down from the south side of the £20m venue.

The furious ex-chairman described the move by the Sterling Consortium, the financiers who bought the stadium earlier this month, as "a kick in the teeth".

But long-suffering supporters last night told of their hopes that the symbolic gesture would be the start of a new era for the club, which remains in administration with crippling debts.

The April 22 deadline set by creditors for the Quakers to come out of administration or face liquidation was allowed to pass yesterday, to allow talks to continue.

Work to pull down the letters one by one began at 8.30am and was completed by early afternoon.

The removal of the signs, which went up in time for the stadium's inaugural game last August, attracted local and national media, with radio and television crews descending on the ground throughout the day.

Mr Reynolds, who saw his dream move to the Neasham Road ground turn sour when the club plunged into administration, said: "It's disgusting, an absolute disgrace."

He added: "We have put a lot of work into that stadium and now you just watch it go downhill. Darlington Football Club will never, ever, ever get another Georgie Reynolds - that's fact.

"It's the finest stadium in Europe for the third division. No, it's the finest in the world. They have killed the hen that laid the golden egg."

But Darlington Supporters' Trust, which has 1,300 members, urged fans to stay positive and get behind the Quakers in their remaining games.

A spokesman said: "It was not unexpected that a new owner might want to change the stadium name.

"It is another step in taking the football club forward - highly symbolic for many supporters.

"Hopefully, in the very near future, Darlington's financial position can be secured.

"It's important that all fans take note of the changes at the club and rally round with their support."

Sources close to the club said the job had been a top priority for the two members of Sterling who purchased the arena in a deal agreed on April 6.

They were busy seeking local companies to carry out the work prior to last Saturday's crucial home game against Oxford United.

They had wanted the job completing "as soon as physically possible", and club officials were told on Wednesday afternoon that the signs would be coming down yesterday.

A new name has yet to be agreed, but it is understood that Sterling will be seeking corporate sponsorship, much like Middlesbrough FC did with the Cellnet Riverside Stadium.

Darlington Building Society, the club's main sponsor, said it was content with its present deal, but said there had been no discussions with Sterling.

A company spokesman said: "We have no plans. We are happy with our present arrangement, but we would support anything that is going to ensure the financial future of the club."

The impact of Sterling's move on negotiations over the club's long-term future has yet to be seen.

The group is attempting to take over the Quakers in a bid to protect its investment in the stadium, but needs to reach an agreement with Mr Reynolds - the largest creditor - to do so.

There were discussions between the two parties at the weekend, but no settlement has been reached.

Mr Reynolds' bankruptcy hearing, initiated by Sterling, resumes in Newcastle next month.

Sterling loaned £3.9m to Mr Reynolds to help finish the stadium, supported by a personal guarantee from him.

The company has since called in the guarantee and, when it did not get the money, issued a bankruptcy petition.