Two arrive at The Northern Echo Arena (From The Northern Echo)

Two arrive at The Northern Echo Arena

9:40pm Thursday 8th October 2009 in

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STEVE STAUNTON has made his first two signings as Darlington boss.

Quakers’ new manager has brought in experienced striker Noel Whelan on a non-contract basis, and Liverpool left-back Robbie Threlfall on a one-month loan.

Both go in to the squad for tomorrow's trip to Dagenham, who are third in League Two and unbeaten at Victoria Road.

Leeds-born Whelan, now 34, began his career with his hometown club, scoring eight goals in 58 games for United, before Ron Atkinson took him to Coventry for £2m in 1995. He scored 39 goals in 155 games in five years for the Sky Blues then joined Boro for £2.2m in 2000.

He spent three years on Teesside before brief spells with Millwall and Derby, followed by a season in the SPL with Aberdeen and, latterly, stints with Boston United, Livingston and Dunfermline.

Last season he played for Harrogate Town.

Left-back Threlfall won the FA Youth Cup twice with Liverpool, in 2006 and 07, but has yet to make a senior appearance. The 20-year-old has League One and Two experience from loan spells with Hereford, Stockport and Northampton.