Quakers confirm ten new recruits (From The Northern Echo)

Quakers confirm ten new recruits

11:03am Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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DARLINGTON manager Colin Todd paraded his first nine summer recruits this morning with more expected to follow.

While none of the players have been able to officially sign contracts until the Quakers are clear of administration, Todd is satisfied he has landed the right men.

Only player-coach Dean Windass, the former Hull and Middlesbrough striker, was missing because he is not due back from holiday.

But Todd was still relieved to be showing off the first major stage of his rebuilding plans for the Darlington squad.

Only captain Steve Foster and fellow defender Ian Miller from the first team squad last season remain, but they were joined on the first day of pre-season training by nine new faces.

Goalkeeper David Knight, a winner of the 2004 FA Youth Cup with Middlesbrough, and former Boro Academy midfielder Gary Smith have been attracted to The Northern Echo Darlington Arena.

As have Polish Under-20 full-back Ben Starosta, former Darlington left-back Craig James and experienced Football League striker Lee Thorpe.

There are also double signings from Carlisle and Hull City, with Cumbrians pair Chris Lumsdon and Jeff Smith being joined by young Tigers duo Matty Plummer and James Bennett.

And Todd, hopeful of landing more, said: "It sends out a clear message that Darlington Football Club is well on the way to getting out of the mess it was in."

* For more on the Darlington new-boys read tomorrow's The Northern Echo.