Darlington Supporters Trust has welcomed the news that Raj Singh is to take over Darlington Football Club.
The Trust is delighted to lean that a deal has, at long last, been reached which will enable their preferred choice to take over Darlington Football Club.
Mr Singh has, we understand, come to terms with George Houghton, in a deal which will give some optimism to fans.
Trust chair Tony Taylor said he was pleased with the news. “It really has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Darlington fans over the last few seasons and let’s hope that this now brings a bit of stability to our football club.
"What has always impressed us with Mr Singh has been his commitment to the football side of the club and we look forward to working with him to ensure that the club becomes the hub of the community.
"Fans will appreciate, I am sure, that the Trust has been working hard behind the scenes over the last few weeks, and whilst we have been unable to publicise our discussions, we do hope that we have made people realise the importance of Darlington Football Club’s survival."
Taylor did warn fans not to go back to over realistic demands in terms of transfer deals and new faces coming in to the club. “We have had a very serious reality check in the last few weeks with our club coming perilously close to going out of business for good. Whilst the Trust had contingency plans in place had the club folded, our wish has always been to see the club survive in its present format in the Football League.
"We are pragmatic and realistic in our expectations, but so pleased that Raj Singh has finally been able to produce a deal that will move the club forward. We have already received numerous phone calls from Trust members around the country so we have no doubts that Darlington fans share our enthusiasm” said Taylor.
'Best chance'
The Trust a few weeks ago publically supported Mr Singh's initial efforts to buy the club from the administrator. We felt he has the interests of the club and its supporters at heart and is looking to give Darlington FC a viable future. We spoke with Mr Singh back then and are sure his positive but realistic approach will find favour with many supporters.
He does not promise the earth but we feel he offers our best chance of a stable future for the club.
Trust chairman Tony Taylor was invited, along with other fans' representatives for a hastily-arranged getting to know you meeting with Mr Singh after the news was confirmed.
Trust AGM on a positive note
Darlington Supporters' Trust held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 3rd June after a turbulent few weeks in the history of the club.
Not many fans a few weeks ago would have imagined we would be able to start proceedings on a truly positive note.
But Trust chairman Tony Taylor was able to report to members he had the previous evening attended a hastily arranged meeting between fans' representatives and new owner-in-waiting Raj Singh.
Mr Singh will hopefully be able to complete his takeover deal over the next few weeks and take Darlington FC out of administration.
The Trust has been reassured by his realistic approach, but also his sincere wish to listen to supporters and work with fans' representatives. This was in evidence in the first meeting, which as well as introductory, dealt with practical issues such as promotion of season tickets.
Tony Taylor answered questions on this, and how the Trust had been involved behind the scenes in talks with various bodies in the town, as well as preparing a "plan B" in case of a worst case scenario with the club.
The Trust board for the coming year was announced, with Peter Plant elected, and becoming Secretary, with Paul Hodgson elected and appointed Vice Chairman, and Ian Carter and Walter Lucas also elected unopposed. Tony Taylor (chairman), Maureen Taylor (treasurer) and David Taylor (membership secretary) remain in their posts, while Clare Stone, Kev Stonehouse and Steve Duffy agreed to be co-opted.
