New Darlington manager Dave Penney will have money to strengthen his squad once the transfer window opens in January according to chief executive Jon Sotnick

The former Doncaster Rovers boss was unveiled yesterday as the replacement for David Hodgson, with Martin Gray assistant manager.

Hodgson benefited from chairman George Houghton's eagerness to gain promotion in his first season at the club and Penney can expect to be similarly backed.

Houghton sanctioned the £100,000 signing of Julian Joachim at the start of the season, one of 13 players recruited for an assault on League Two promotion race.

Since then the ambitious chairman sanctioned a further two loan signings, left-back Evan Horwood and centre-back Matt Clarke.

With close to 30 professionals currently employed at Darlington, including Phil Stamp and Anthony Peacock who have yet to even appear on the bench this term, Sotnick admits some could make way to allow room for arrivals in January.

Asked if Penney would be permitted to make signings, Sotnick said: "Without a shadow of a doubt and we will leave Dave to get on with that. Dave is the man to take us forward. He needs some time now to get to know the players and Martin will help him do that.

"That time will be utilised before the transfer window opens and Dave will want to shape a team that will be challenging for promotion.

"I can't say for certain whether players will be brought in or not, that is a question for Dave and not me. But managers across the league like to shape their teams how they see fit, so no doubt there will be ins and outs.

"We've got a few contracts up at Christmas so that gives Dave room to manoeuvre."

Referring to a Football League guideline which states clubs must not spend more than 60 per cent of their turnover on player wages, Sotnick added: "If we continue to grow the turnover that we have at the moment, we should not fall foul of the protocol.

"The chairman wants to throw money at the football club to ensure success and I've got to ensure that he doesn't throw so much into the playing squad that we end up falling foul of the rules."

The appointment of Penney was hailed by Sotnick as a statement of intent and he did not rule out the possibility of the new manager bringing in his own staff.

Gray is the new assistant manager and is likely to take care of reserve team matters but his previous role, as youth team coach, is officially vacant. Neil Maddison could take that position.

But the club confirmed they still plan to appoint a director of football, a situation that should be resolved next month.

Mick Tait and Andy Collett stay as youth development officer and goalkeeping coach respectively.

Sotnick said: "Dave has a style of management and we will get him get on with it. He will be working within the financial restrains laid down and as long as he does that he will be able to do exactly what he wants in terms of bringing in staff.

"The appointment shows the chairman's intent. Hopefully it proves we are as good as our word it terms of what we want.

"There are no hidden agendas. We have appointed a proven manager with a good track record, he has won two promotions with Doncaster and has made it very clear that he wants more. We hope he achieves that with us."

Having lost one game in the four in which he was joint caretaker manager, Gray was keen to replace Hodgson and Sotnick backed the former midfielder to succeed in the long-term.

Sotnick said: "I think Martin has shown huge passion and commitment. I am pleased Martin has taken the assistant's role because I am sure in years to come he will become a household name in football management.

"It is my view that, had Martin made that step from youth team to first team, it would have caused questions from fans as to the club's view in wanting to gain promotion quickly.

"Also, for Martin's own sake, had he failed I don't think it would have done him any good in terms of his career progression. It's a structured step in the right direction for Martin."