Football fans in Darlington told of their dismay last night at the Quakers' financial plight.

Paul Boyle, 38, said: "I am surprised, because you would think with the backing they had financially they would be in good shape - but obviously not.

"The results and the way the team has been playing can't have helped. It's bad news. I think they should have had a team first and then built the stadium."

His views were echoed by Graham Mann, 17, who said: "I'm surprised - I thought they were all right for money. I thought George Reynolds was loaded."

He added: "I don't think he was doing a very good job, we've had no new players. They should have sorted the team out and then built that stadium."

Others said it was time for Mr Reynolds to step aside, no matter what happens.

Lifelong fan Anthony Gavriel, 26, said: "If he (George Reynolds) can't control the finances, he shouldn't stay on as chairman."

Les Chapman, 29, felt the club should have stayed at its old Feethams ground. "It's no surprise," he said. "I don't understand why they built the new stadium - the old ground was more suitable.

"He won't fill the new stadium. It's no good for a small town like this."

Kevin Mitchell, 51, said the club needed new players if it was to stay afloat. "I think the club's rubbish," he said. "They want a new team.

"George Reynolds has not been good for the club. We are going no further forward, we have no decent players, but we have got a great big new stadium. It's rubbish."