Shock move to rescue Quakers

The controversial chairman promised to take "a back seat" if fans' favourite Mr Hodgson, who led Quakers to Wembley in 2000, accepts the offer.

In an official club statement, Mr Reynolds said: "We know football-related affairs have not developed to the standard required to progress us to higher divisions of the Nationwide League, and we now appreciate that it is in the best interests of the club to try to convince David to return to take control of on-the-field activities.

"When David Hodgson was manager of the club his popularity with the supporters was second to none.

"If we are successful in our venture, I will take a back seat in relation to all football matters and concentrate all my efforts on to off-the-field affairs and use my abilities commercially to promote Darlington Football Club to its full potential."

Both Mr Hodgson and current manager Mick Tait were unavailable for comment last night.

But The Northern Echo understands that Mr Hodgson is considering his decision after insisting on a number of conditions.

The combination of Mr Hodgson's return and Mr Reynolds' move into the background would prove hugely popular with fans, who have grown increasingly disenchanted with the Quakers' plight since the switch to the new Reynolds Arena in August.

The announcement of Mr Hodgson's possible reinstatement comes at a time when Darlington's fortunes, both on and off the pitch, are at an all-time low.

The club is languishing near the bottom of Division Three and a financial crisis is threatening its existence.

Mr Reynolds has said the club cannot survive unless Darlington Borough Council changes strict planning rules to allow him to stage non-football activities at the stadium.

He wants to hold car boot sales on Sundays and open a nightclub and restaurants.

The council, which promised that planning conditions would be adhered to when permission was given for the stadium to be built, will consider Mr Reynolds' plans on November 12.

Local residents are bound to oppose changes to a legal planning document signed by Mr Reynolds.

Tony Taylor, a board member of the Government-backed Darlington Supporters' Trust and a friend of Mr Hodgson, spoke to the ex-manager last night.

Mr Taylor said: "David confirmed that he and George Reynolds had been in contact over the past few days, but he has not made a formal decision yes or no. He has placed a number of conditions on the table.

"There is undoubtedly a ground swell of opinion which regards David very highly. He has achieved success with Darlington and the majority would welcome him back with open arms.

"Fans would, however, still have reservations about what has happened in recent weeks."

Mr Taylor was referring to Mr Reynolds' public threats in The Northern Echo and in a BBC television documentary to visit his "detractors" at their homes.

Police have investigated a number of incidents, including visits made by Mr Reynolds to the homes of Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, and Scott Thornberry, editor of the Darlo Uncovered website.

Mr Thornberry is one of a number of fans who have been banned from the ground.

Mr Reynolds has said he would have no dealings with the Darlington Supporters' Trust, which expressed concerns about his actions.

"First and foremost, we are supporters of Darlington Football Club and we would hope those issues could be resolved," said Mr Taylor.

Mr Hodgson, a former Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Liverpool player, was at the helm when Mr Reynolds bailed out the club from the verge of bankruptcy to the tune of £5.2m, in May 1999.

And it was under Mr Hodgson's leadership that the Quakers reached the third division play-offs at Wembley, only to be beaten by Peterborough who 1-0.

The initial rapport between the multi-millionaire chairman and his forthright manager soon soured when Mr Reynolds decided to put his players' contracts on display in The Northern Echo, revealing what he described as an unaffordable wage bill.

Mr Hodgson resigned in August 2000 and, despite his clear differences with the club's owner, described working alongside Mr Reynolds as an "amazing experience".

In March 2001, the pair had a bust-up on Paul "Goffy" Gough's Century Radio show after Mr Reynolds' questioned Mr Hodgson's record as manager.

Despite their differences, Mr Reynolds has decided Mr Hodgson is the best man to win over the fans and improve the club's league position.

Fans and players alike were devastated at Mr Hodgson's departure, and his replacement, Gary Bennett, struggled to rebuild morale and confidence.

Former Leyton Orient boss Tommy Taylor also failed to restore Darlington's fortunes, and current boss Mick Tait, who has been acting in a caretaker capacity, now looks set to take over the club's youth development programme.

Speaking to The Northern Echo last night, Mr Reynolds said: "We are quietly confident that David will return to the club, and we are confident that he and Mick Tait will steer the team to the success the players and the fans deserve."