Darlington Football Club's position looks increasingly desperate. A brave effort against Hull ended in another defeat and the Quakers remain entrenched in the relegation zone.

The cavalry has always come over the hill when football clubs have gone into administration in the past.

But no one should take it for granted that it is only a matter of time before a saviour shows the colour of his money. There is a serious possibility that the Quakers could go out of business.

We applaud Darlington Supporters Trust in their attempts to save the club. They are genuine supporters who want nothing more than to secure the future of the club.

But in launching an appeal to raise £250,000 in three months, the trust is setting itself a target which many will view as "mission impossible".

And they are asking for public donations at a time when the club's affairs are still shrouded in uncertainty.

Until the administrators have been able to get to the bottom of the financial position - no easy task - and until the position of chairman George Reynolds is clarified, public support is certain to be stifled.

On Christmas Eve, as the club was placed in administration, we said that the local community would only truly get behind the club once Mr Reynolds was no longer a factor.

That position has not changed. We all want Darlington Football Club to survive - it is hugely important to the town.

We wish Darlington Supporters Trust well in its appeal. But while so many questions remain unanswered, it will find the going very tough indeed.

Howard's way

MICHAEL Howard has made a strong start as Tory leader, taking the fight to Tony Blair in a way that Iain Duncan Smith never could.

And while he is right to make the most of the Prime Minister's discomfort over tuition fees, it is all a little hollow without a policy to call his own on university funding.

Strong opposition is not just about criticising the other side, it is about providing a credible alternative.