DARLINGTON have bolstered their backline with the addition of two new defenders, to the delight of boss Alun Armstrong.

Centre-half Toby Lees has signed a one-year deal with Quakers after leaving Blyth, with left-back Jordan Mustoe also joining the ranks.

And in a third defensive boost for Armstrong, right-back Kallum Griffiths has signed a new one-year deal.

Lees heads for Blackwell Meadows on the back of two impressive seasons at Blyth and is someone Armstrong has long courted. The 26-year-old started his career with Harrogate Town before spells at Alfreton and Gateshead.

Armstrong said: "Toby is someone I’ve been interested in bringing to the club for a while and we were close to getting him last summer. He has established himself as a very good defender at this level and will strengthen and bring competition to the department we all know needed strengthening.

"He’s big, strong, aggressive and defends properly as well as being able to look after the ball when needed."

Armstrong was equally as pleased to get the deal for Mustoe over the line. The 32-year-old spent last season with Warrington Rylands, in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. The much-travelled left-footer has previously had stints in Belgium, Finland, Romania and Ireland.

"Jordan is a very experienced left back with a quality left foot and a very strong athlete," said Armstrong.

"It’s something we’ve missed for a while in that position. He can also play left centre-back along with left midfield-forward which is a massive plus for us having a small squad."

Griffiths, meanwhile, is now preparing for his third season at Darlington after signing his new deal.

Injury disrupted the most recent campaign for the right-back but he still made 23 appearances.

Armstrong said: "Kallum was probably playing the best football since he’d been here before his injury which was a massive shame. Hopefully we can get him back to that level on a consistent basis."