Darlington tripled their number of summer signings last night when they captured Ryan Valentine and Ashley Nicholls on free transfers.

Defender Valentine, a former Everton left-back, and midfielder Nicholls, who has been released by Ipswich, both signed one year contracts having both impressed during Quakers friendly matches this summer. And both could be pitched straight into action when Newcastle reserves visit Feethams tonight.

Released by Everton this summer, Valentine, who was called up to the Welsh Under-21 squad last November, was wanted by Oxford United after spending a period on trial at the Kassam Stadium. But manager Tommy Taylor has persuaded the promising defender to come to Feethams where he will fill the void created by Paul Heckingbottom's departure.

A delighted Taylor said: "They have come down from Premiership clubs and they realise that we can be a stepping stone for them to go back up the ladder to the top, but ideally they will do that with Darlington.

"Ryan is an excellent player, he did really well in the games he's played for us. I don't think he can replace Paul Heckingbottom because he was a really excellent player and I'm not sure anyone could replace him.

"But Ryan stands up and doesn't just dive in, he's got a lot of pace so he'll do well for us."

Nicholls was interesting First Division Grimsby Town while Hereford United were also keen after the 20-year-old spent almost all of the last two weeks on trial at Edgar Street.

With former Halifax defender Matt Clarke having already joined Darlington's defensive ranks the squad is now looking a little more stable after the loss of several defenders this summer - but there should be one more incoming transfer if manager Tommy Taylor has his way.

The rebuilding plans laid out by Taylor are not yet complete as Carlisle centre-back Stuart Whitehead remains a target. Taylor said: "I've spoken with his agent today and I'm hoping we can sort something out.

"He came over for talks a couple of weeks ago but he didn't sign that day because of personal terms.

"If we sign him we'll look a lot stronger at the back."

With defenders Phil Brumwell, David Brightwell, Steve Harper and Heckingbottom all leaving the club at the end of last season and Gary Pearson having been ruled out for the first half of the forthcoming campaign, Quakers needed to bolster their back-line and the arrival of the experienced Whitehead would certainly do that.

Neil Maddison should be back in action when Darlington take on Newcastle.

After taking a knock on his ankle during the weekend's trip to the capital, the former Middlesbrough midfielder was keen to play on Tuesday night against Durham City but he was persuaded otherwise to avoid risking aggravating the injury.

Newcastle are not expected to feature many star names as their first team, including former Darlington loanee Olivier Bernard, are currently on a pre-season tour of Holland while Gary Caldwell, who spent a month at Feethams last season, has joined Coventry on loan from Bobby Robson's side.

Tonight's game kick-off at 7pm and tickets, available on entry, are £5 and £2 for the North Terrace and West Paddock, £6 and £3 for the East Stand and West Stand.

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