YESTERDAY, we called for cool heads in the wake of the potentially disastrous supporters' meeting at Darlington Football Club.

Despite the explosive suggestion from the chairman's wife that they may have thrown games, the players remained admirably dignified.

They promised to turn out against Exeter today, and talked down speculation about possible legal action.

Supporters' club chairman Peter Thorns, writing on Page 5 of today's edition of The Northern Echo, is full of common sense as he calls for realistic goals with a clear plan on how they can be achieved.

Susan Reynolds, club director and wife of chairman George Reynolds, was, wisely, having a "quiet day of reflection", out of the limelight.

So far so good.

Enter Mr Reynolds himself. Asked before a television audience if he expected his players to play against Exeter, he responded by saying he wasn't bothered whether they did or didn't, adding that he would be quite happy to see the back of some of them.

Talk about pouring petrol on the flames . . .

The Northern Echo has supported Mr Reynolds and his development of the new stadium as a valuable investment in the future of Darlington. It is in our interests as the local paper for the club to succeed.

But throwing insult after insult at the players is not the way to build team spirit and, although he won't like us saying it, Mr Reynolds has to stop.

The need for Darlington to buy quality players has been well documented.

But the club also needs another key signing - a professional public relations advisor to bring a sense of calm.