Darlington FC 2008/09 Thread

[Saj]

Businessman Raj Singh's proposed takeover of Darlington could be in trouble after one of his backers pulled out of the deal.

Singh was fronting a three-man consortium that was planning to rescue the cash-strapped Quakers, but after talks broke down with current owner George Houghton last month, the businessman waived his interest.

Talks resumed on Tuesday after Singh and Houghton settled their differences, but the structure of the deal has changed significantly following the pull-out and Singh has confirmed that his other backer is also having doubts about his involvement.

"We had a meeting on Tuesday, which I think has been well-documented, but that is about it at the moment. Everyone has gone away to think about it now," Singh told the Journal.

"I would say the talks were 'constructive'. I don't want to go into too much detail but they were helpful and they weren't. George has gone away on holiday but there are people that we can deal with to move the situation forward, so I'm not too worried about that.

"The whole deal that we're talking about now has been changed. One of the backers that I originally had has walked away completely, I would say the other is 50/50 at this stage. So, yes, the delay has affected things."

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...al_153925.html

All up in the air, the future of the club, the future of the players - no manager, lots of players out of contract.

[Saj]

Colin Todd to be named the new manager in the next day or two with Dean Windass as his possible assistant - thats the good news.

The bad news is that a consortium is set to take over the club, but the former owner who took us into administration is part of that consortium

The exits continue - Pawell Abbott gone to Oldham and Ricky Ravenhill gone to Notts County.

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by Saj Colin Todd to be named the new manager in the next day or two with Dean Windass as his possible assistant - thats the good news. The bad news is that a consortium is set to take over the club, but the former owner who took us into administration is part of that consortium The exits continue - Pawell Abbott gone to Oldham and Ricky Ravenhill gone to Notts County.

not the best last name to have don't you think??

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 not the best last name to have don't you think??

He usually has the last laugh...

[Saj]

Well Colin Todd has been appointed the new manager (he must be mad). The previous owner is back in charge and there's a revolt amongst the fans.

Players leaving by the day - another one gone yesterday and the budget for next season is pathetic.

We are still under the transfer embargo and if we escape relegation next season it will be a miracle.

[Saj]

Surprising news. The club has been taken over by local Asian businessman and fans favourite Raj Singh

Darlington fans will be shocked to hear that Raj Singh has agreed a deal with Houghton to buy the football club!


A deal between Raj and Houghton seemed to be dead in the water and last week it was announced that moves were being made for George Houghton to come back to the club.

But this afternoon the club has informed the press that Raj Singh will be buying the football club whilst uncovered can confirm a 50/50 deal on the stadium and land has been done between Singh and Houghton.

He today told the Gazette: "I'm delighted to have finally done a deal, which I hope will give the club the stability it needs. The issues of debts have been resolved and the club can move forward.

Colin Todd;s position as manager stands. I have had a chat with him and been very impressed, so that's not a problem. We hope to move forward from here, and have a solid future."

George Houghton told The Northern Echo "I have had my chance to run the football side, but I want to get the other side of the club to keep the club running.

"Raj must prove to me in seven days that he has enough funds to run the place for four years not just one. I like Raj. He is a nice lad who knows his football but the financial package has to be right. " Quite a turn around from GH considering his interview on BBC Tees before the Brentford game when he blamed Raj for virtually everything other than glabal warming.

As usual the administrator adds his own bit of confusion, I mean it wouldn't be normal if he didn't enter a final bit of negativity. He has said the CVA will be put to the creditors next week. He added: "Any deals for assets and involvement are extremely premature. No sale has, as yet, been agreed."

The sooner these lot are out of the club the better.

http://darlington.rivals.net/News/pg..._5354526&id=30

[Saj]

Looks like Dean Windass will be Colin Todd's assistant next season.

Dean Windass has reportedly agreed to join up with Colin Todd as his number 2 plus Todd expects more signings soon.


Windass's move has not yet been finalised but is expected to be sorted within the next seven days.

Colin Todd starts a short break tomorrow but has stated that two further signings are at an advanced stage. Talking to The Journal Todd said "Things are happening behind the scenes. Obviously I'm talking to players at the moment and no -one really wants to commit until other things are set in stone," he said.

"But I have talked to two people who have agreed to come and join us so we're getting there. I can't say their names, it's not fair on them and it's not fair on us until it is confirmed."

It's difficult for them but that is the situation we're in. It is up to them whether they want to sign them, some of the players have decided not to but I'm hopeful that we'll be able to keep some of them."

"From a football period of view, it's great, positive news that Raj is coming on board. He's a football man, a good businessman and it's good for stability if we can retain someone who was here last season," he said.

"For the people of Darlington this is another positive move, I think. I am not an expert on what happened last season or the fans' relationship with George (Houghton), but maybe this will allow people to put things from the past behind us all."

Circumstances have definitely improved at the Arena in the last fortnight as the club was brought back from the brink of liquidation in the middle of May. New recruits will be required and it will be difficult with the money that Darlington can offer, but Todd is confident that he will be able to deal shrewdly in the loan market and pick up the best of the free agents.

"It will be a difficult period for us," he warned.

"But there will be other teams tightening their belts as well.

"We will deal with the wage constraints and budget we are given and try and do the best we can."

"Even players under contract at Darlington at the moment, I have offered them terms but they are not as favourable as the terms from last season."

[Oxy]

Seems like good news looking from the outside - I hope you are happy with the new owners Saj

[Amir]

Could not find the most recent thread but an article on Darlo:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...ington?cc=5901

Manager and players sacked too. Sad management.

[Geordie Ahmed]

^^^^^

They have been given a 2 week reprieve, they can play 3 more fixtures

As long as that white elephant remains I can't see Darlo recovering. I think long term a fans club (AFC Wimbledon, Chester FC) is the best bet

[Saj]

Yes a reprieve of 3 matches GA and in that time we need to find a buyer.

Its looking grim at the moment....could be the end.