Darlington's players are almost certain to fulfil tomorrow's away game at Exeter despite their walkout from a stormy fans' forum last night. Led by senior players, all of the first-team squad, along with assistant manager Mick Tait and reserve-team coaches Gary Bennett and Jimmy Montgomery, stormed out of the meeting with the cheers of the assembled fans ringing loud in their ears. Their walkout was prompted by a remark in a speech by chairman's wife Susan Reynolds, who referred to the poor display against Torquay last Saturday, in which Quakers were lucky to lose by just 3-1. Talking about the performances of some players at the club this season, she said: "It doesn't take a degree in psychology to work out behaviour patterns of certain individuals. It's a repeat of what has happened over the last two years. You can write a script. "It isn't unknown for games to be thrown deliberately at this time of year." At which point, the players left. A packed hall of over 300 fans cheered the players, and then heckled Mr and Mrs Reynolds, and a cooling-off period ensued. Meanwhile, it is understood that the players will report as normal for the trip to Exeter this morning. By not turning up for the game, they could be in breach of contract, although the players could also point to Mrs Reynolds' remark as a breach of contract on the club's part. The football authorities might also be launching an investigation into the remarks made by Mrs Reynolds last night. Darlington chairman George Reynolds committed himself to the club, at least for the near future. When asked by one fan if he would leave the club, he said: "What have I done wrong? I've invested to save this club from closure. "I've got no intention of walking away, but tonight has put a nail in the coffin." Darlington manager Tommy Taylor last night defended his players after the outburst by the chairman's wife. "We will have a team out tomorrow, no doubt about that. I shall speak to the players on the bus to Exeter and I know they'll play."

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

Answers

awful problem

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

So do they fulfil the "lady's" view and lose by 10 at Exeter or ram it down her throat and win, thereby justifying her cheap psychology

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

I bet she'd love it if they ram it down her...............er, on second thoughts, I'd better not say.

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

Each one should take her to court for accusing them of throwing games. An absolute disgrace that she be allowed to say such things. And he asks why he should leave.

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002