DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE will face former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton when they take on bottom of the table Darlington at the weekend. The League Two crisis club surprisingly announced the ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa player had been placed in

by MIKE SIMMONDS

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE will face former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton when they take on bottom of the table Darlington at the weekend.

The League Two crisis club surprisingly announced the ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa player had been placed in charge on Monday after Colin Todd left by mutual consent a week ago.

Staunton, who made 102 appearances for his country, will have his work cut out at his new job, as Darlington have drawn two and lost nine of their 11 games to date, but Daggers boss John Still is nevertheless expecting a tough encounter.

Luck

"I have come across Steve when he was at Aston Villa, I don't know him though, but good luck to him," said Still.

"Sometimes people might think you're better working than not working.

"Colin Todd had a difficult job, but all I know is on Saturday, we're going to be playing a team that's battling for everything."

Darlington had been in danger of going out of business last season as they went into administration, costing them the chance of a play-off place.

They have had to virtually rebuild their playing squad in pre-season, but you won't see the Daggers boss out to do them any favours.

"I'm split in two halves as I feel for the players, the management and the supporters, but if you live above your means that's what happens," said Still.

"They have done that, so I don't actually feel sympathy for the club, just for the people involved.

"I haven't got any time for false economy, if you get involved with that, you've got to suffer the consequences."

Meanwhile, the Daggers boss has not ruled out the prospect of strengthening his squad further during the loan window, especially in the wide areas.

Always

"We've always had in our mind that if the right wide man comes along, on the left or right wing, then we'll look at that," said the boss.

"Our wide people are young and we know that sometimes with the young ones, their form can go up and down.

"If we have an option we might look at that. It would probably be a loan move if I did it now, but it would be a loan with a view to signing them later."

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