DARLINGTON last night completed the signing of Carlisle United defender Stuart Whitehead.

And Quakers boss Tommy Taylor revealed that the centre-back will be pitched straight into action against Bristol Rovers at Feethams tomorrow.

Whitehead has long been high on Taylor's wanted list and now he has finally got his man.

And the Taylor said: "We have been after him since pre-season.

"We have been trying to bring in the lad because we feel that with him and Craig Liddle at the back we will have an experienced back line."

Matt Clarke, a summer signing from relegated Halifax Town, has been playing at the heart of the defence since arriving.

But Taylor admits that he will now be trying to accommodate the big man elsewhere.

"What's good about Matt is that he can play in a number of positions," he said. "I've been playing a four at the back and when I do it will be Lids and Stuie who will play there.

"But now I have the option of playing three back there and I can play Matt on the left of the three - or I can even play him up front."

Whitehead, meanwhile, is now focusing on giving his career a boost after agreeing terms and passing a medical yesterday.

The 26-year-old, who made 159 appearances for the Cumbrians, has been at Carlisle for five years.

But he admits he needed a new challenge and he can't wait to take to the field against Rovers tomorrow.

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster to get me here," said Whitehead, who has signed until the end of the season on a free transfer.

"One minute I was coming, the next minute I wasn't. It's been like that since the summer.

"I have been at Carlisle now for about five years and I feel as though I have gone a little stale, so I'm looking forward to a fresh start.

"It's a new area, I've moved to Newcastle and I just want to get out and play now."

Taylor and chairman George Reynolds are still chasing two other new players - one a striker.

But Taylor revealed yesterday that one of his targets, Luton striker Carl Griffiths, will not be joining after picking up an injury.

Griffiths, who has spent time with Taylor at Orient, agreed terms but he had to pull out of a move at the last minute.

"We were hoping to snap up Carl Griffiths but it has broken down," said the Darlington chief.

"It was well on, the player had agreed to come and his agent was happy with things. But we received a call from his agent and, to be fair to him he told us the truth. He said that Carl had suffered a calf injury and would not be able to complete a deal."

Taylor will not be adding to the squad before tomorrow's game, but is hoping more new blood will be added next week.

Read more about the Quakers here.