THE 128-year-old history of Darlington FC almost came to an abrupt end during the first few weeks of 2012.

The club had been placed into administration for a third time in less than ten years. Supporters, staff and players feared the worst as owner Raj Singh brought in the administrators. The money had run out and perhaps so had the luck.

But what could have been the end, now appears to be just the beginning. The key events that allowed the Quakers to be reborn as a community club differ depending on who you talk to. There were numerous frantic phone calls, some tears, the odd impassioned speech, too many mystery bidders, endless meetings and one suitcase full of money.

At the centre of all this was one man. Harvey Madden, a partner at Yarm-based Taylor Rowland, had been brought in to resolve the club's financial affairs one way or another.

Things came to a head on January 18. In the morning, Mr Madden told staff he had no choice but to close the club, but by the afternoon, after several tense meetings, he agreed it could play three more games in the hope fans could put together a rescue package. Looking back three years on, this brave decision by Mr Madden was a tipping point.

The club had come very close to collapse, but fans had been thrown a lifeline, a stay of execution, one last chance. They were all grabbed with both hands.

There were many more twists and turns along the way - the FA did the club no favours and the existence, whereabouts and purpose of the footballing share is still unclear. But whatever the dramas that befell the club after that January, Mr Madden proved himself time and again to be on the side of Darlington FC and its fans. He was the man who could have killed the club, but became the man who was instrumental in its rebirth.

Mr Madden's own sporting achievements no-doubt had much to do with his determination to help the club. He was captain of Norton Cricket Club, having played for his local club as man and boy. He also played for Stockton Hockey Club, Yarm Tennis Club and was captain of Dinsdale Golf Club.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, who was involved in many of the negotiations to save the club, said the town should "count its lucky stars that Harvey was chosen to be the administrator".

"He was more than a numbers man, he cared passionately about the club and the players

"I remember him getting angry when the FA wouldn't let us bring in any new players and the younger members of the team were getting tired and injured.

"I spoke to him every day for months trying to solve the problem of how Darlington gets to keep its football club.

"We hosted the away side chairmen at the arena together because at the time there was nobody else there to do the job. He loved all sports and I like to think that even though he found it frustrating he enjoyed his roller coaster ride with DFC - his smile said he did."

Dave Mills, a director of Darlington FC, said: "It is no exaggeration to say that Darlington FC would not even exist if it had not been for Harvey going the extra mile while a rescue package was being put together.

"The Quakers will always be indebted to him."

After the sale of the club to a community group, Mr Madden stayed on as an advisor to the club, giving his time up for free.

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron, a co-member of the club's advisory panel, described the accountant as a "true gentleman".

He added: “Harvey was absolutely passionate about local sport and his work behind the scenes in aid of Darlington Football Club should not be underestimated. He was kind, patient and generous with his time.”

Mr Madden had been suffering from leukaemia and lymphoma. He died from an infection on Monday in North Tees General Hospital, Stockton. He was 66.

He leaves a widow, Eileen, two daughters, Kirsty and Gemma, and a five-year-old grandson Louis.

Mrs Madden said: “Happily, we were all with Harvey when he died. He always had a great passion for sport and was determined to find a way forward for the football club. He was already teaching Louis how to be a batsman.”

Funeral details have not yet been announced.