Steve Staunton has realised the scale of work needed to be done as Darlington slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Dagenham in his first game in charge. Goals from Danny Green and Josh Scott gave the Daggers an early cushion and from then on Darlington rarely looked like getting back into the game.

"Both (goals) were very disappointing. They were from stupid errors. But that's why we're in the position that we're in," said Staunton.

"Dagenham got their noses in front but the lads gave me everything. They tried but we can't keep giving two goals away."

Staunton hinted that he may continue to look into the market to bolster his squad.

"I know the positions where we have to look," he added. "There's a lot of young lads who are in the dressing room as well who are learning the game and hopefully we can turn it round as soon as possible and get the confidence back up."