WE welcome news that Darlington Football Club has found a way to survive administration, but appreciate that many fans will still feel uneasy about the way the deal has apparently been done.

The club’s statement poses as many questions as it answers, leaving us wondering if George Houghton will still be the man in charge this time next year.

The past three months have seen a schism between owner and fans, the departure of a successful manager, terrible uncertainty for players and backroom staff and the end of a promising promotion push. Then there was the fate that befell many of the club’s loyal servants who lost their jobs.

As seasons go, then, 2008-09 was ultimately one to forget – both on the pitch and off it.

For Mr Houghton, the decision to place the club into administration, no matter how strong the business case, was a public relations disaster.

If he is staying on in the long term, he must find a way to mend fences with fans who feel let down and angry.

But the fans have to be realistic, too.

Darlington FC cannot currently survive without George Houghton’s money.

Administrators have spent three months looking for another white knight and, despite several false dawns, they failed.

In his statement, Mr Houghton acknowledges that mistakes have been made and appeals for a new beginning.

But it will be a huge job to rebuild fans’ confidence.

The sooner he starts, the better.