Source: Team_Talk
Emergency cash boost for Quakers
Property tycoon Houghton became Quakers chairman in March 2006 but, after years of dwindling attendances at the club's 25,000-seater stadium combined with the economic downturn, he was forced to take the club into administration in late February.[LNB]Hopes of promotion to League One were subsequently dashed following the 10-point penalty inflicted on them for going into administration and Dave Penney's men now lie 12th in the table.[LNB]But, after administrators Brackenbury Clark appealed to Houghton when it became clear the club did not have the financial clout to survive beyond this weekend's League Two trip to Barnet, the North Shields-born businessman agreed to stump up the necessary cash.[LNB]Houghton said: "I have put millions of pounds into Darlington Football Club and a month ago I made the very difficult decision to put the club into administration.[LNB]"At the time I invested what the administrators believed was enough money to run the club until the end of the season while they negotiated with potential purchasers.[LNB]"However, since the club went into administration - although I am aware that costs have been cut to the bone - attendances and subsequently revenue have fallen even further and the situation has become untenable.[LNB]"Professional football has been played in Darlington for 125 years and it would be heartbreaking for the loyal fans who have stuck by the club through thick and thin if this came to an end.[LNB]"Keeping the club going until the end of the season will give the administrators a greater chance of finding new owners.[LNB]"I remain optimistic that a solution will be found and, if any serious investors come forward, I stand ready to continue my involvement and some investment as part of a consortium in order to keep professional football alive in Darlington."[LNB][LNB]
