Darlo Facing Cash Questions

Five years after reforming, Darlington have admitted they are facing a cash crisis and are seeking talks with potential investors.

The club has been told it will not be able to compete in the National North play-offs after failing to meet ground grading requirements. They are one of three clubs barred by the League due to not having 500 seats under cover - a League requirement rather than a FA one - with all three appealing the decision.

However two Darlington Directors have resigned over the issue, and a third is considering his position, citing 'vitriol' from supporters in the wake of the news. The club says that they could not afford the six-figure cost of installing the seating anyway, with losses mounting following their move back to Darlington after an enforced exile in Bishop Auckland, and would struggle to raise the £500,000 needed to achieve the full 'A' grading needed to remain at National Premier level, let alone the financial needs on the pitch.

The supporter owned club has reported debts of £80,000 and has required a £50,000 loan from Directors and outside supporters to stay afloat this season. Operating costs of £35,000 over budget this season were compounded by income underperforming by £30,000 under the projected figures, with £15,000 of debt still on the books from last season.

Manager Martin Gray has been told to cut his budget by £85,000 for the coming season to balance the books, with the triple promotion winner warning supporters that he will leave if that is the case. Gray says he needs a £400,000 budget to compete at National North level - £10,000 a week on part time deals - with the club finances showing that 70% of income was directed to the playing budget.

Gray says the ownership model has to change to compete at their level and above, telling a supporter forum 'as a fan owned club we have gone as far as we can go. We need a different direction for this football club to go forward. We are an embarrassment, a laughing stock in the football world.'

Gray says he is in talks with investors who are capable of pushing the club forward, but that the supporters will have to accept a minority stake for it to happen.