FOUR seperate parties are expected to make bids for a football club in administration, it has been revealed.

Cash-strapped Darlington FC is hoping that the bids will be received before the April 20 deadline, which was set by the administrators.

It is not yet known who the four interested parties are.

However, yesterday The Northern Echo exclusively revealed that the club’s former vice-chairman, Raj Singh, is looking to table a bid as part of a consortium of two or three other people.

It is also believed that the former chairman George Houghton, who initially placed the club in administration, is remaining involved with the Quakers.

Mr Houghton is also the largest creditor at Darlington FC.

Last night, Dave Clark, of Brackenbury Clark and Co, the club’s administrators, said: “We set a deadline of April 20 for interested parties to make contact with us and express their interest in Darlington FC.

“I am pleased to say we now have four parties who are interested in making an offer for the club and discussions are taking place with a view to those offers being confirmed by the deadline.

“However, at this moment in time, no formal offers have been accepted.

“As such I would urge all interested parties to move quickly over the next few days in order to finalise their proposals. This will ensure we secure the best deal for the creditors and the club.”

Mr Clark added that the evaluation process may take some time and encouraged fans to continue with their fundraising efforts.

The club has an All-Stars game planned for Sunday, May 3.

However, club officials are still considering moving the fixture to the Bank Holiday Monday, as all three North- East Premier league teams are in action that weekend.

Mr Clark said: “We have our All-Stars game approaching – this is vital for the future of the club.

“We need this major exercise to raise vital funds and see us through the summer to prepare for next season.

“It should be a fantastic family day and we’ve been encouraged by interest so far.

“I would hope that this interest continues to make the day a resounding success.”

Stars lined up for the match include former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne and Middlesbrough FC manager Gareth Southgate.

Tickets for the game cost £10 and £5 for children.

For more details, call 01325- 387000.