Darlington yesterday made the most of Hull City's financial troubles as they lined up the free transfer signings of defender David Brightwell and wing back Steven Harper.

Brightwell 30, and Harper 32, were both released yesterday and will sign 18-month contracts at Feethams.

Quakers are currently only five places and three points off the bottom of the table and go to Tony Cottee's Barnet on Saturday looking for only their fourth win in 19 games.

Quakers' manager Gary Bennett said: "The pair of them have a lot of experience, will add more balance to the team and will fit in well.

"David knows the ins and outs of the game. He was at Carlisle last season when they had a relegation fight and has played at several other clubs. He's a tall, strong lad who will go straight in at the back.

"Steve can play on either the left or the right and is very attacking minded."

Bennett has spent almost two weeks trying to tie up the capture of Brightwell, although the Harper signing materialised only two days ago.

"I know we have needed a boost but it's been a matter of finding the right players. Now we'll be able to create competition. One or two players are in the comfort zone.

"I would like to sign a midfielder or a forward as well, but I think we've done well to sign these two."

The deal is subject to the final approval of the Hull administrator, but Quakers aren't expecting any problems. Brightwell played more than 50 times for Manchester City before he left Maine Road in December 1995 for Bradford City. After a spell at Valley Parade, he went on to Northampton and Carlisle.

Harper scored a hat-trick for Mansfield against Quakers five years ago and previously played for Port Vale, Burnley, Doncaster and Preston before he left Field Mill for Hull during the summer.

It looks as if Brightwell and Harper will be the only players arriving from Hull for the time being, as midfielder Gary Brabin is considering an offer from Scunthorpe.

Midfielder Gary Himsworth, injured since the FA Cup defeat at Luton in December, played the first half of the reserves' 4-1 home defeat by Halifax in the Avon Insurance League Cup on Monday night and will probably play in tonight's game against York City at Feethams.

Bennett is also hoping to include midfielder Jamie Cook from Oxford United after his promising appearance a fortnight ago.

Midfield duo Martin Gray and Brian Atkinson are carrying injuries which could keep them out of Saturday's game at Barnet.