Staunton steps into Darlo hot-seat

05 October 2009 11:03
The former Republic of Ireland chief agreed terms with Darlo, who are rockbottom of England's fourth tier, over the weekend. Now Staunton will officially take up the reins at the Darlington Arena on Wednesday, after their Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash at Leeds. Staunton will also bring in Richardson as his number two, as they look to try and save the Quakers from the drop into non-league football. Darlington chairman Raj Singh was delighted with the appointment. "We're excited about the prospect of working with someone with vast experience in the game and a wealth of contacts," Singh told the club's website. "Steve enjoyed a formidable playing career and he has a strong desire to succeed as a manager as well. "We spoke to a handful of applicants over the weekend and Steve came across as the most professional and organised. He'd done some thorough homework on Darlington and League Two, our players and potential new players, some of whom he has already targeted to bring in. "He's extremely realistic and is aware of the situation here at Darlington, but he's confident he can utilise his contacts to bring players in who will improve our squad. "We're also delighted with the appointment of Kevin Richardson, who is highly thought of in the game and has a lot of coaching experience on the back of a very successful playing career. "I said recently that the new manager would need some financial assistance and we'll give Steve as much support as we possibly can. "But we're very confident we've made the right decision and both Steve and Kevin will help us achieve our short-term goal of staying up this season so that we can build and improve next summer." Staunton enjoyed a 20-year playing career beginning with Liverpool in 1986 and still holds the record for the most number of international caps for the Republic of Ireland. He was appointed Ireland coach in January 2006, in his first managerial post, and after his dismissal in October 2007 he was number two to Gary McAllister at Leeds before taking up coaching roles at Wolves and Aston Villa. Richardson began his 20-year career at Everton and spent four seasons at Villa Park with Staunton. His other clubs included Watford, Arsenal and Real Sociedad and he was latterly among the coaching staff at hometown club Newcastle.

Source: Team_Talk