DAVID HODGSON believes the arrival of Craig Hignett is a clear signal that Darlington are back in business.

Hignett yesterday agreed to join Quakers on a free transfer, just 24 hours after the club finally came out of administration.

The former Middlesbrough man has put pen-to-paper on a deal which will keep him at the Williamson Motors Stadium until the end of the season, with a one-year option.

The 34-year-old has been playing for Leeds United on a month-to-month basis after being released by Leicester City at the end of last season.

But after failing to make an appearance at Elland Road, boss Kevin Blackwell was unable to offer Hignett the longer deal he had been seeking.

The arrival of Hignett is a clear indication that Hodgson has wasted little time in exercising the club's new-found freedom in the transfer market after squad restrictions were lifted on Tuesday.

In December, the Football League imposed a ruling, stating Quakers could have no more than 20 professionals on their books while in administration.

"I know the public have been frustrated but it has just been a case of waiting for the nod," said Hodgson.

"We have been wise enough to understand the circumstances we have to work under and we've had no choice but to accept that.

"We've had to be patient, but signing Craig shows that we are getting our rewards.

"He's is a superb professional who will give us another dimension."

Despite dropping down two divisions, Hignett, who will make his debut at Rochdale on Saturday, is relishing his latest challenge.

"I've got a couple of seasons left in me and at this stage of my career all I want to do is enjoy my football," said Hignett.

"I was disappointed with the way things turned out at Leeds but now I'm just looking forward to doing well for Darlington.

"I live in the area and know one or two of the lads from Middlesbrough, so that made my decision a lot easier.

"The club has a lot going for it and hopefully I can add a little bit to the squad and help them up the table."

Hignett has built a reputation as a free-scoring midfielder and Hodgson will be hoping the much-travelled playmaker will take some pressure of his strikers.

Hignett joined Middlesbrough from Crewe in 1992, going on to score 48 goals in 194 appearances for the Teessiders.

After a brief spell in Scotland with Aberdeen, he moved to Barnsley in 1998, where the goals continued to flow - 35 in 77 appearances - before sealing a £2.25m move to Blackburn two years later.

However, after failing to make an impact at Ewood Park and after loan spells at Coventry and Crewe, Hignett spent last season with Leicester City.

But after suffering relegation with the Foxes, Hignett was freed, before being offered the opportunity to resurrect his career with Leeds.

"We knew what his circumstances at Leeds were so we met up last week and he made it clear that he would sign for us if it didn't work out down there," said Hodgson.

"He gave me his word, stuck to it and obviously we're delighted."

Despite leaving Boro six years ago, Hignett has continued to commute from his Teesside home, where he has remained in contact with Craig Liddle, Curtis Fleming and Mark Proctor.

Hignett and former Leicester City winger Steve Guppy both met with Blackwell on Tuesday night, where they were told there was no guarantee that a longer deal would be in the offing even if they agreed to remain with the club for another month.

"It was a tough decision but we've decided to let them both move on," said Blackwell

"I didn't feel I could give Craig any guarantees and consequently I couldn't really offer him anything in the long-term.

"Since arriving at the club he has been magnificent. He has had a good attitude and he has helped the younger players with his experience. He has been great to have around and played his part in starting to turn Leeds around."

Hignett has requested to wear the number 21 shirt - the same he wore at Middlesbrough