DARLINGTON’S triple transfer swoop yesterday took the number of players brought to the club by Steve Staunton in January to six.

Defender Alan White, midfielder Gareth Waite and striker Patrick Dean all arrived at The Northern Echo Arena to help bolster Quakers’ fight against relegation.

If Dean receives clearance in time after leaving Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, all three will be in the squad for today’s game with Aldershot.

When they all play it will take the number of players used this season to an astonishing 47.

Waite, 27, joins from skilltrainingltd Northern League side Spennymoor Town, with Quakers agreeing to play a couple of friendlies.

Staunton said: “I’d like to thank the Spennymoor chairman, Bradley Groves, and manager, Jason Ainsley, who have been absolutely superb in allowing us to speak to Gareth and for giving him the opportunity to play league football.

“In return we’ll be playing a friendly against them before the end of the season and a pre-season friendly in the summer, and we’re very hopeful it could be the start of a fruitful working relationship with Spennymoor.”

Dean, 19, has come through the ranks at Hibernian but did not make breakthrough at Easter Road.

The three new faces complete a busy few days for Staunton, who on Thursday signed former Irish Under-21 international defender Simon Madden and last week brought in Irish duo Gary Dempsey and Tadhg Purcell.

Staunton said: “It’s been a hectic few days but I’m satisfied with the players we’ve brought in up to now. They’ll bring a fresh look to the squad, which is ideal for us.

“We’re hoping to start the New Year on a new footing and we’re going to do everything we can to stay in League Two.”

Since Staunton’s appointment in October he has brought in 19 players, although many have been loans who have since returned to their clubs.

Today’s game will be Staunton’s 11th league match and the tenth in which he has handed a debut to at least one new player.