GEORGE REYNOLDS quit as chairman of crisis-hit Darlington Football Club on Monday, ending a most extraordinary chapter in the Quakers' 120-year history.

The 67-year-old severed all ties with the club, resigning as chairman and a director, after a torrid few weeks which have left the team battling against extinction.

Court-appointed administrator David Field confirmed that Mr Reynolds had left Darlington FC and would not be returning to the £25m Reynolds Arena. Mr Reynolds called in the administrators on December 23 to prevent the club being wound up by the Inland Revenue.

Darlington Supporters' Trust has set a target of raising a £250,000 crisis fund by the end of March to help to ensure the short-term survival of the club.

Despite no financial information yet being released by administrators, a group of local businessmen has gathered enough information to suggest a serious buy-out is possible.