We want cooper to stay
by Scott Thornberry - 1st March 2011
Raj Singh has revealed that manager Mark Cooper has been approached by another club - but the Quakers chairman is keen for him to stay at the Northern Echo Arena. In his match programme notes for tonight's home game against Fleetwood Town, Mr Singh is urging Darlington fans to show their support for both the club and the manager.
He explains how Darlington will be asking supporters throughout March to commit to buying a season ticket for the 2011-12 campaign, without paying for it until the summer when the off-field problems will hopefully have been resolved.
Mr Singh says a show of support now will convince him and Cooper to stay on. "It's no secret that we've made huge losses over the last two years which I've had to meet personally," he explains.
"Without promotion this season, it will be even more over the next 12 months without the Football League parachute payments. If I'm honest, it's not the sort of shortfall I'm prepared to meet next season.
"I've put my heart and soul into this club since getting involved, and every single decision has been made for the benefit of the club.
"If we're to carry on progressing, we need to start making plans for next season now, so we're not chasing our tails like we have been in the last two summers.
"With the off-field events going public recently, the vultures are already circling. For example, Mark Cooper has already had one approach from a club seeking his services.
"For me that's pleasing in a way, because it shows the kind of regard our manager is held by other clubs. "Mark has told me that he'd like to stay and wants to get this club promoted, whether that's this season or next, but I understand he has his future and security to think about as well.
"It would be a shame to lose him as we're working really well together, and thinking along the same lines, which makes for a healthy working relationship.
"So this is an appeal to our fans, past and present, to get behind the club and show me and the manager the kind of support we need to move on, and show us your commitment in March."
Darlington are still working on the mechanic, but fans would have to offer payment details - either by cheque or credit/debit card - without actually processing the payment until June. Full details will be released later this week. Meanwhile, grab a copy of tonight's match programme Quakers to read Mr Singh's column in full.