A “period of exclusivity” has been handed to Darlington FC fans trying to raise enough funds to buy their club.
The embattled Conference team collapsed into administration last month and were just a whisker away from liquidation.
But administrator Harvey Madden, of Taylor Rowlands, confirmed supporter-formed Darlington FC 1883 Ltd has until April 30 to raise some £750,000 through a share issue.
In a statement Madden said: “Following meetings last Friday which continued into the early part of the week, I can announce that I have granted a period of exclusivity to allow a prospective buyer to seek to raise the necessary finance to purchase the business and assets of Darlington Football Club 2009 as a going concern.”
Madden added that, before the meetings, he had been “minded to give consideration to ceasing to trade the football club” due to a “decreasing likelihood of funding a buyer”.
The share-issue scheme has been spearheaded by Darlington Football Club Rescue Group (DFCRG) which reportedly believes £600,000 could be enough to safeguard the club’s future.
Website buydarlo.org is being set up to give fans the chance to buy shares in the club.
Shares will cost £100 and 10,000 will reportedly be issued in total.
Some £70,000 has already been raised by various groups and the community to preserve the club’s future in the short-term.
Fanzine website Dafts said: “The £750,000 target by the end of April is daunting but for a club which found itself within minutes of being wound up, it is a welcome focus for hearts and minds.
“The critically-ill patient has been given a diagnosis and faces traumatic surgery, but at least the prognosis – with something of a change in lifestyle – is a chance of recovery.”
By Andy Pearce
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