Steve Staunton has made his first signing as Darlington boss.
Quakers' new manager has brought in experienced striker Noel Whelan on a non-contract basis, and he goes in to Darlo's squad for Saturday's 250-mile trip Dagenham, who are currently third in League Two and unbeaten so far at their Victoria Road ground.
Leeds-born Whelan, now 34, began his career with his hometown club, scoring eight goals in 58 games for United, before Ron Atkinson took him to Coventry for £2m in 1995. He scored 39 goals in 155 games in five years for the Sky Blues then joined Boro for £2.2m in 2000.
He spent three years on Teesside before brief spells with Millwall and Derby, followed by a season in the SPL with Aberdeen and, latterly, stints with Boston United, Livingston and Dunfermline.
NOEL WHELAN FACTFILE
Born: Leeds, 30.12.74 (34)
Playing career: Leeds (1993-95, 58 games, 8 goals), Coventry (1995-2000, 155 games, 39 goals), Boro (2000-03, 73 games, 10 goals), Crystal Palace, loan (2003, 8 games, 3 goals), Millwall (2003, 16 games, 4 goals), Derby (2004, 8 games), Aberdeen (2004-05, 23 games, 5 goals), Boston Utd (2005-06, 17 games, 4 goals), Livingston (2006, 8 games, 1 goal), Dunfermline (2006-07, 1 game). Career total: 367 games, 74 goals).
