THE future of Darlington Football Club has been described as 'dire' just days after it completed its 125th season.

Administrators have been forced to lay off staff and say they were unable to accept the only offer on the table to secure the club.

The League Two club faces an uncertain future and Dave Clark, from the administrators Brackenbury Clark and Co, has admitted he has no plan to secure a place in the league for next season.

Former vice-chairman Raj Singh made an 11th hour bid to rescue the club which was rejected by the administrators this afternoon.

Mr Clark said: "The news is pretty dire. I will issue a full statement first thing in the morning.

"But reluctantly we have only got one offer that is not acceptable. We have also had to let some staff go. It is pretty dire at the moment.

"I am really disappointed to have to do it and I would like to thank those staff for their patience."

Full details of those made redundant is expected today, but they include assistant manager Martin Gray and goalkeeping coach Andy Collett, who are expected to join former manager Dave Penney at Oldham Athletic next week.

Mr Clark said the carvery would continue during the summer and there were a number of pre-season friendlies in the pipeline.

However, the administrators must also prove there is an exit plan in order to justify to The Football League the club can start the 2009-10 season.

Mr Clark added: "If we have no purchaser, we have no exit plan. The future of the club is absolutely in doubt.

"I'm extremely worried about the future of the club."

Supporter Scott Thornberry said: "Darlington fans have been looking for news all day today. It has got to a major point where it looks like the club is going out of business after 125 years."

For the full story see tomorrow's The Northern Echo. What do you think? Let us know.