SINGH DARLO BID ENDED BY FAN PROTEST
DARLINGTON fans have pulled the plug on plans for controversial former Quakers owner Raj Singh to become involved in financing the new club.
Indian businessman Singh, 52, was accused by many of playing a significant part of the club’s original collapse back in 2012.
On Wednesday it was announced that he was to invest £40,000 in the club and input going forward was being discussed.
Supporters were shocked by that announcement and took to social media to protest at the plans that could have seen Singh at some point have a place on the board.
But now the Quakers must search for investment from elsewhere after the club confirmed the deal was off.
They say it was his decision after discovering comments online which would have made a return to Darlo incredibly difficult.
John Tempest, a director at the National League North club, said: “We would like to announce that Raj Singh has decided to withdraw his interest in investing in the club.
“Raj and his family have spent the last 48 hours viewing various social media platforms and in the light of the very negative comments being made, he and his family feel it is inappropriate to move forward with the possible investment.
“Raj’s initial commitment was to invest in the club, particularly the playing side, and in his words “he felt there was unfinished business”.
“As a consequence of his withdrawal and the reasons for it, a second potential investor has also decided not to continue exploring his potential involvement.”
“Although social media can be a very useful tool, it can have very undesirable effects.
“I’m really not sure what the solution is as people who sit behind keyboards appear to be able to say anything without knowing the facts and not realising the potential impact in public of some illthought comments.”
Darlington say they need help next season and Tempest continued: “The onus is very much now on the fans.
“We really need to get many more fans involved in raising funds as the club needs support not only financially but also to ensure that the team and infrastructure are strong enough to survive at the current level.”