DARLINGTON are hopeful of adding to their squad before tomorrow’s game at Kidderminster Harriers.

Manager Tommy Wright has been busy this week speaking to potential new recruits in the hope of adding to a squad that has lost Adam Bartlett and Mark Beck since last weekend.

A defender is close to becoming Wright’s first signing being appointed Darlington manager three weeks ago, while agreements are in place with two other targets.

“We have identified players that we would like to bring to the club. We are in the process of making new signings, hopefully we should be able to announce something soon when they’re completed,” Wright told Darlington’s website last night.

Wright has lost his first two games in charge since replacing Martin Gray – against Blyth and Brackley – and are now 14th in the table, a far cry from the beginning of the season which started with three wins.

In the 15 league games since they have won only twice, but the manager added: “I don’t think the rebuilding job is all that big.

“I’ve watched the 90 minute videos of the first five games of the season, and that was when the team was at the top of the table. If you look at the starting line up in each game, it was virtually unchanged – it was soon after that when players started to pick up injuries, Chris Hunter, Gary Brown, Mark Beck for example.

“Last season, this was a squad that reached the play offs, but after the first five games, it seems to have lost its confidence a little.

“I believe that we need three or four new faces to freshen up the squad, and we’re working hard to bring them in. I have spoken to several players since I took over, and had loads of calls from agents and players.

“It’s a matter of bringing in players of the right quality and attitude within the budget I’ve got. Sometimes the dressing room and the fans need a new face or two to give them a lift.”

Wright has also revealed that he plans to appoint a chief scout. Harry Dunn, scout during Gray’s tenure, is now working for York City.