Darlington manager Gary Bennett last night warned his players of the task ahead - securing the club's Football League future.

And under-fire chairman George Reynolds has vowed he won't walk away in the face of mounting pressure from the fans.

Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Chesterfield left Quakers 19th, six places and nine points above bottom club Carlisle, who drew at Hartlepool.

Bennett's side have collected eight points from the last 42 and visit fellow strugglers Lincoln and York City in the next two outings.

They have also still to visit Carlisle, Exeter, Torquay and Halifax. Only Shrewsbury out of the current bottom eight have still to come to Feethams.

"We know we're in a relegation fight," said Bennett. "We've won twice in our last four games, but unfortunately two of those have been in the LDV Vans Trophy.

"We know that results haven't been good enough in the League."

Bennett is trying to add players to his squad - a central defender, midfielder and striker.

"There are a couple of players we are looking at," he said.

"I know that we need experienced players. If you take out Craig Liddle, Martin Gray and John Williams, then there aren't many left who have a huge amount of experience.

"We can't rely on young lads week in and week out in the position we're in. Some of them aren't used to the atmosphere which was around our game on Saturday."

Centre-half Dean Walling could have another run-out for the reserves at home to Blackpool tomorrow night at Feethams.

Walling has left Conference side Doncaster by mutual consent and is likely to team up with his former Carlisle team-mate Bennett.

Defiant Reynolds yesterday sent a 'put up or shut up' message to his critics.

The patience of some fans was at breaking point on Saturday when they protested against Reynolds, who left his East Stand seat midway through the second half of the defeat by Chesterfield.

But Reynolds has responded by saying that if anyone thinks they can do better, then he'll stand down.

"As far as I'm concerned, it is business as usual," said Reynolds, who confirmed that he left the ground for his own and his family's safety.

"I have no intentions of walking away - but if somebody out there genuinely feels that they can do a better job than me, then let them put an offer in for the club.

"Remember that nobody else was interested in taking the club over before I came along. And since I've been in charge, nobody else has been interested in buying the club."

Reynolds, who is adamant that he paid out £5m when he took the club over, maintained that he will build a new stadium, work on which has already begun, and that has to be taken into account by any prospective buyers.

"It is still our intention to complete the stadium, so if anybody is interested in the club, then they must take on the full package. So if there is anyone out there, then let's hear from them.

"I have spent millions saving this club from extinction and will be spending millions more on the new state-of-the-art stadium.''

He also repeated his decision to take a back seat from now on: "I thought it was appropriate for me to be at the helm at first but now I've got the club on a firm financial footing I am handing over to the new Director of Football, Luke Raine, and Gary Bennett.

"I still firmly believe in Darlington and I am committed to the team, I have put too much money into the club to walk away now.''

Raine said: "I will deal with more things myself, and take some of the workload off the chairman. I will have more input in the dealings, but the chairman will have the final say - after all it's his money."

l The Newton Aycliffe branch of the Darlington Supporters Club is holding a meeting tonight at the Oak Tree, beginning at 7.30pm. Bennett and Raine are expected to attend.