DAVE Penney has praised the qualities of new Darlington captain Steve Foster.

The 27-year-old turned down the chance to play Championship football with newly-promoted Scunthorpe United to join Quakers last month.

And Penney believes he has completed a major coup in landing Foster, who skippered Scunthorpe and was voted player of the year at Glanford Park last season.

"He's had three promotions in the last four years so we're delighted he's decided to join us," said Penney. "What we need is a leader on the pitch and that's exactly what we've got with Steve.

"I had no hesitation when he signed in making him captain.

"He knows exactly what this level is all about and along with Alan White, we have two players who know what's needed to do well in this division."

Penney has been criticised for returning to former club Doncaster Rovers for players he has already worked with in the past.

But, the impressive capture of Foster was all made possible after the pair were at Rovers together.

"I was aware that there was some contract haggling and I was well aware of the situation because I know him," said Penney.

"I kept an eye on things and when we found out there was a chance he might leave Scunthorpe we made our move."

Meanwhile, the future of out-of-contract Darlington duo Sam Russell and Clark Keltie remain in doubt.

The pair have yet to pen new deals and the arrival of Swansea goalkeeper Andy Oakes has all but consigned Russell to a move away from the club.

Former Darlington and Middlesbrough defender Curtis Fleming is expected to become Mark Proctor's assistant at Livingston.