Source: Northern_Echo
Chairman upbeat about challenges for football club
LESS than a week after he watched the Quakers' relegation confirmed, Raj Singh's outlook belies his club's league position.[LNB] He is not just upbeat about the state of Darlington Football Club, but positively enthuses about the challenge ahead.[LNB] Nearly 14 months since Darlington were plunged into administration after a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale, the club could not be in a much different position.[LNB] Then promotion was snatched away from the Quakers, but last week a victory against the same side was not enough to stave off relegation from the Football League.[LNB] While many fans have reeled off a number of former league sides who have yet to return Cambridge, Oxford, York, Mansfield, Halifax the board does not share the pessimism of such a downward spiral.[LNB] Mr Singh insists the club is in a stable position. In fact, last week he received a call from Jim Rodwell, chief executive at newly-promoted Notts County, despite being subject to a transfer embargo.[LNB] I don't know whose position I would rather be in yours or ours, Mr Rodwell told Mr Singh.[LNB] And, while some observers in Darlington wonder how the town can support a nonleague club on such low crowds, Mr Singh's plan is clear.[LNB] He jointly shares the land the stadium is built on with previous chairman George Houghton via DFC Investments.[LNB] Unlike his predecessor, developing that land is not an immediate priority.[LNB] Much-heralded plans for an academy and hotel have been approved by council planners, although a further contractual agreement has yet to be signed before work can start.[LNB] The club is halfway through the first rent-free two years of a 15-year lease agreement on the land. From next summer, the annual bill will increase to £10,000.[LNB] Next season's playing budget has been set against this year's average attendance figures, although that is short of a break-even figure.[LNB] Mr Singh remains confident that a winning team will see the crowds return, but off-thefield income as a result of improved relations with the local business community and his own money will continue to make up any shortfall.[LNB] Having seen George Reynolds and Mr Houghton promise the world and deliver nothing but two periods of administration, few can blame the fans for questioning Mr Singh's reasons for investing in the club.[LNB] Mr Reynolds' other legacy will be the club's stadium described by many as a white elephant and, with 25,000 seats, having a capacity large enough to hold a quarter of the town.[LNB] Asked if there are plans to downsize, Mr Singh says never say never. However, he and his fellow board members also realise the long-term asset of the ground and finance director Andrew Wilson says it costs little extra in upkeep.[LNB] Despite what some fans believe, Mr Singh's priority lies on the football side of the business.[LNB] He has cleared the debts and is doing his utmost to ensure the club is run properly on and off the field.[LNB] Having used a record 52 players this season, the playing budget was among the highest in League Two.[LNB] Next season, managing director Graham Fordy, who has vast experience from his days at Middlesbrough, says the budget will only be bettered by one or two clubs.[LNB] Mr Singh, who initially joined as vice-chairman only two months before administration, says he will continue to fund the shortfall for as long as the fans want me.[LNB] But why did he ever get involved[LNB] Purely because I saw a sleeping giant, Mr Singh says.[LNB] Being a football fan, I saw the challenge.[LNB] I think I can make it work.[LNB] It was a shock to see the finance side and how the place was run.[LNB] It gave me a good insight to see what can be done and what can be put together to make it work.[LNB] That made me more determined in the summer to take full control.[LNB] Mr Singh's takeover was sealed only one day before the new season, leaving little time to be ready on the pitch. It is an excuse he no longer wants to use.[LNB] Instead, he says: We are on track. It may not look like we are. I am sorry things haven't worked out this season.[LNB] Nobody is more hurt and upset than myself.[LNB] Some people would argue they have been Darlington fans for 40 years or more and I won't claim to be that.[LNB] But I am hurt and upset and I'm pulling out all the stops to put that right.[LNB]
