Darlo in administration

The news comes months after The Quakers moved into a new £25 million stadium to start the new Division Three season.

With the North East side just a place off the foot of the table, millionaire chief Reynolds revealed that he had little choice after Inland Revenue issued a winding-up petition.

In a statement, Reynolds said: "I have today (Tuesday) invited the appointment of joint administrators to protect the club from being wound up by the Inland Revenue, who have issued a winding-up petition.

"I will provide every assistance to ensure the future well being of the club.

"Whilst the administrators resolve the footballing issues, I will endeavour to develop other commercial interests for the benefit of the club."

Reynolds has been locked in a legal battle with Darlington Borough Council over alternative uses for the club's stadium.

He added that it is essential The Reynolds Arena has other uses to make the venue financially viable.

"I've built a magnificent stadium, but we cannot sustain this stadium on 12 working hours a month," Reynolds added.

"Television money has gone and the gates are not very good, so we wanted to host computer fairs and car boot sales.

"The council have to allow us to make money.

"The club will survive if the council allow us to work more than 12 hours a month.

"I have been telling them for the past four months that we would end up in trouble if we were not given any help."

The 27,500-seat stadium has rarely had more than 10,000 seats filled for Darlington's home matches this season.

Meanwhile, Darlo have been fined £800 by The FA following their fiery defeat against Mansfield Town in October in which eight players were booked and David McGurk was sent off.

Defender Joey Hutchinson was given a one-match suspension for foul and abusive language towards referee Trevor Kettle.