DARLINGTON chairman George Reynolds has promised more to come after the club secured the services of 22-year-old Stuart Elliott.

The defender, captured from Newcastle United, has signed a one-year deal with a further option at the end of 12 months.

He passed a medical yesterday and subject to fitness could make his club bow against Durham City at New Ferens Park on Friday (7pm).

Elliott is the first player to arrive at Feethams this summer following the highly publicised departures of the likes of Marco Gabbiadini, Steve Tutill and Peter Duffield.

"He is big and strong and David Hodgson (Quakers' manager) has been after him for some time," said Reynolds.

The chairman said the club had beaten off competition from first division Stockport County for Elliott's signature.

"He wanted to come here because he likes me," said Reynolds.

"I think he will do a wonderful job."

The chairman said he was confident of another signing either towards the end of this week or the beginning of next.

"This one is top secret," he said. "We are vetting six players at the moment.

"But we are keeping everything hush-hush at the moment because we don't want the rug pulling from under our feet."

l SUNDERLAND new boy Tom Peeters is hoping to link up with Kevin Phillips, who he watched on television in Belgium last season.

"Phillips made a big impression on me last season and it's my aim to break into the team," said the former Mechelen schemer.

The Wearsiders meanwhile have finalised details of two further pre-season away fixtures - at Mechelen on Wednesday, July 26 and FC Porto three days later.

Former Republic of Ireland international Mike Walsh is being lined up as Sunderland's new chief scout.