Darlington manager Gary Bennett yesterday insisted he won't be rushed into signing new players as Quakers try to end a run of five straight league defeats at home to Mansfield today.

Quakers have thrown points away in recent weeks because of their inability to take chances, a malaise which as seen them drop into the bottom seven of the table.

But Bennett insists he won't panic and will bide his time to sign at least one new striker, although he has been linked with players from diverse places like Manchester United and Nuneaton.

"I'm having players thrown at me all the time," he said.

"I'm getting phone calls and faxes recommending such and such a player, and they've all got the best player in the world available. They look good in training, but then we can find that we're stuck with them if they don't maintain that level.

"It's because people think that Darlington have got loads of money and that we're desperate to sign someone. It would be easy for me to sign a loan player, but I don't want to do that. I'm being patient, and I want to make the right choice. I know I haven't an open cheque book. I can offer money for a player, but it is the chairman who has the final say. After all, it's his money. I would love to sign a player from a Premiership or a First Division club, but I've been told I can't do that."

Bennett also revealed he is unlikely to sign any southern-based players.

"I'm not a lover of southern-based players, because with northern lads you know what you're going to get. If I had a choice between a player from the north and one from the south, I would choose the north.

"But we're not going to offer huge money for players. The chairman has stabilised things - remember that I was one of the players who didn't get paid a couple of years ago, and we don't want that to happen again."

New signing Phil Brumwell yesterday admitted he is delighted to wear the club's colours again.

Brumwell, who has signed a two and a half year contract, left Feethams during the summer after five years at the club and joined Hull City, but he completed a quick return to the club two days ago and is now in line for a return debut today.

"Gary Bennett has told me that with the way the squad is, I'm going to be playing more, but I've still got to earn the right to play," he said.

"Hopefully this time I can get a chance."

Brumwell might have to be content with a place on the bench today. Stuart Elliott comes back into contention after a four-match ban, but striker Jesper Hjorth and defender Gary Himsworth will have late fitness tests.