THE following statement has just been released by Darlington FC:

AN agreement has been reached to take Darlington Football Club out of administration securing the club’s future for next season and allowing Administrators Brackenbury Clark and Co to reveal a new manager.

Subject to a number of conditions not least the transfer of the Football League share, and reaching a satisfactory conclusion on discussions with Darlington Borough Council, former chairman George Houghton has managed to secure the necessary funding just three months after having to put the club into administration.

“I never thought I would be making this statement today,” he said. “The reason is quite simple – I do not want the club to die. The Club is still in Administration and will be for the next couple of months but I am not going to let the club die. I still have a couple of options to consider how the future will unfold, but now we need to get on and prepare for next season.

“The global meltdown meant that until now it was impossible to raise the necessary funds to keep the club out of administration. But events of the past few weeks have allowed me to reflect on the whole situation and listen to what the fans have been saying. It’s fair to say mistakes have been made, and for that I apologise but I have funded the club up until now and will continue to do so until a person can offer the club more than I. I must however make this clear; I have not and will not make any money from the Club. I have and will continue to fund the club as necessary but must now insist of a tighter control of all budgets. Anyone who thinks I am lining my pockets here is totally misguided. ”

“Relying on wealthy benefactors is not the ideal way to run an organisation and we need to reach a position where the club can support itself. That will be helped by full support of fans and the people of Darlington. Support is crucial and I hope that we can gain back trust and support that we badly need.”

“We have a fantastic facility here in Darlington which the community needs to make the most of. I continue to work in close partnership with Darlington Borough Council regarding the surrounding land. Darlington Council had been very helpful in advising the club of the best way forward. We want to develop the indoor and outdoor sports facilities which will be a huge benefit to the club, the community, schools and colleges. We hope to make a joint announcement soon about the development.”

“The past few months have been a terrible time but it has clearly demonstrated the passion of the fans and the community for the club. I am convinced we can move forward into a bright and exciting future. But we need to be realistic with much tighter controls of budgets and management of costs “ Commercially the stadium will also continue to be developed offering a first class venue for large-scale events and conferences.

Mr Houghton hopes that businesses in the town will support the club by sponsoring opportunities and making use of the Arena for events.

Administrator Dave Clark said: “This is very positive news for Darlington, Mr Houghton’s change of heart is clearly based on the experiences of the past three months.

“This is superb news for the club. Football is a big part of the community and going forward the community will be crucial for its future. I hope the fans get behind the new venture and the club can win back some of the trust and support of the people of Darlington.”

“ We are also obviously delighted to announce a new manager for Darlington”

Colin Todd has already started work organising the squad for next season.

In a distinguished career, he has managed six clubs including Middlesbrough, Bradford City and Derby County.

The new manager has a track record for spotting raw talent and will be supported by youth team managers Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison.

Todd’s CV includes managerial roles with Randers FC in Denmark, Bradford City, Derby County, Swindon Town, Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough.

As a player his career kicked off with Sunderland in 1966 and he also played for Derby, Everton, Birmingham City, Notts Forest, Oxford United, Luton Town and Vancouver Whitecaps. He also gained 27 England caps.

Mr Houghton said: “Colin comes with a superb track record and aptitude for spotting talent. He is a great asset to the club with experience and willingness to take on the challenge. We are all looking forward to rebuilding the side and the public confidence in the club.”

Further announcements about the team on and off the pitch will be made in due course.

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