DARLINGTON have completed the signing of former Barnsley defender Neil Austin on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old becomes manager Dave Penney's eighth signing since the end of last season - and the Quakers boss is promising more new arrivals before the League Two opener against Wrexham on August 11.

Austin was one of seven players released by Barnsley last month, after making 26 appearances for his hometown club last season.

The full-back, who can play on either side, progressed through the youth-team ranks at Oakwell and made 165 appearances.

Penney last night welcomed Austin's arrival - the fifth defender to join Quakers since the end of the season.

"Neil will be a great addition to the squad," he said. "Although he is still a young player he has played at a higher level.''

With a new look defence now in place, Penney will now turn his attentions to signing a striker.

The Quakers boss has the financial backing of chairman George Houghton, as demonstrated when the club held talks with Luton Town striker Adam Boyd next week.

And, while the club have since ruled out a move for the former Hartlepool man, the resources are there for Penney to sign that quality of striker to spearhead Darlington's attack.

He added: "A lot of hard work is going on. I expect there to be more new faces.''

And with Martin Smith not expected to return to first-team action until September, Penney is also keen to secure the signing of a left-sided midfielder.

Smith underwent a knee operation last month and will miss the pre-season preparations.