Darlington chairman George Reynolds last night breathed a huge sigh of relief after his audacious attempt to sign Faustino Asprilla cleared a vital hurdle.

And the arrival of the former Newcastle striker could be the first of many high-profile signings in the pipeline, Mr Reynolds claimed.

A five-man Home Office appeal panel awarded the Colombian the work permit Quakers needed before being allowed him to sign him. The 32-year-old could now make his debut on Saturday at Kidderminster.

That hinges on Darlington receiving international clearance from the Mexican FA, the country where he last plied his trade.

Asprilla had been denied a permit on Tuesday, but an appeal held yesterday in Sheffield brought a successful outcome. Mr Reynolds said: "I'm so pleased for Darlington fans. It's great news for the club, the town and the fans.

"I'm not kidding you, I went down there and I've never done so much grovelling in my life - I nearly talked them all to sleep!

"We've made history at Darlington - it's never been done before. A world class player has never played for a Third Division team in England."

Asprilla will undergo a routine medical today and will meet up with his new teammates.

On future signings, Mr Reynolds refused to name names and would not confirm or deny speculation linking him with four players - Nicky Summerbee, Kevin Ball, Dennis Wise and Luke Beckett - who have been rumoured to be among his targets.