Quakers boss Staunton in triple signing swoop

Oct 23 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Staunton has continued his Darlington revolution by signing three players - with a fourth set to join in time for this weekend’s trip to Barnet.

Staunton lost three loan players earlier this week and has acted quickly to plug the gaps by snapping up Aston Villa reserve striker James Collins and Wolves midfielder David Davis on loan - while also signing the French former Ibiza striker Mor Diop.

Whitby-born defender Richard Jackson is also training with the club and expects to sign a short-term contract later today.

Staunton had to act after Russell Hoult, Tony Kane and Jamie Devitt were recalled by their clubs this week.

He also let striker Kevin Gall leave the club after his short-term deal expired.

Staunton said: “Hopefully James will bring us goals.

“He is a striker, he is big and strong and he knows where the goal is - he is rough around the edges but he knows what the game is all about and he has had a good grounding at Villa,” he said.

“We have taken David on a month’s loan with a view to taking him longer.

“I saw him play for Wolves’ reserves against Arsenal and he did very well, he was combative.

“He is a good passer of the ball and the fans will really take to him.

“Because four went out we have had to bring bodies in. There were areas we identified we would have to strengthen, but we will be looking to bring in one or two more over the next few weeks.

“We know the financial situation, but hopefully the players we are bringing in bring that little bit of quality which will make all the difference.”

Staunton was disappointed to lose Notts County goalkeeper Hoult and Hull forward Devitt, who subsequently signed for Shrewsbury on loan.

He added: “I did not allow them to leave - I had no choice.

“Russell was called back to Notts County because Kasper Schmeichel has an injury while Jamie assured me he was coming back to the club but then went to Shrewsbury, which was disappointing. You have no control over that situation.

“As for Kevin,I let him go because I have signed four centre-forwards and because I could not give him assurances over being in the first team.”

Meanwhile, Gary Smith misses this weekend’s trip to Barnet and will have further scans next week to assess the length of his lay-off.

Staunton said: “I thought Gary did very well. We will have to wait until next week to find out the extent of the injury.”