DARLINGTON have signed experienced centre-half Danny Ellis ahead of tomorrow’s National League North home game with AFC Telford.

Quakers have struggled defensively in the opening weeks of the season, shipping 12 goals in their opening six league matches, and Alun Armstrong will be hoping the arrival of 35-year-old Ellis adds some much-needed knowhow and physicality to the backline.

Ellis started his career at Bradford City, and moved on to Stockport County and Droylsden before joining Guiseley, where he made almost 400 appearances.

He helped Harrogate Town win promotion from National League North in 2017, but when they turned full-time, he opted to remain part-time with Farsley Celtic.

He helped Farsley win promotion from the EvoStik League, but after four seasons with the West Yorkshire club, has opted for a change of scenery at Blackwell Meadows with Darlington.

“We need somebody who is going to boss people about,” said Armstrong.

“He has told me that he still wants to play as high as he can, and he wants a fresh challenge.”

Ellis goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's league meeting withTelford, with 18th-placed Quakers hoping to record what would be only their second win of the season against the team currently one place below them in the National League North table.