Staunton takes over from former boss Colin Todd

Darlington have appointed former Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton as manager until the end of the season.

Staunton, 40, takes over at the Arena following Colin Todd's exit with the club bottom of League Two, eight points adrift after 11 games.

The Irishman's last post was as assistant to Gary McAllister at League One outfit Leeds, which he left in December 2008.

He will be assisted by former Sunderland coach Kevin Richardson.

Chairman Raj Singh has moved quickly to fill the vacancy following Todd's departure, and believes the club have appointed a promising and hungry young manager.

We spoke to a handful of applicants over the weekend and Steve came across as the most professional and organised Darlington chairman Raj Singh

"We're excited about the prospect of working with someone with vast experience in the game and a wealth of contacts," he said.

"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."

Staunton's first game in charge will be on Saturday, away to Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two, while current caretaker manager Craig Liddle and assistant Neil Maddison will take control of the side for the trip to Leeds United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.

As a player Staunton enjoyed a successful career, amassing a record 102 caps for the Republic of Ireland as well as winning domestic silverware with both Liverpool and Aston Villa, and enjoyed spells with Coventry and Walsall.

He also represented his country at three World Cups, 1990, 1994 and 2002, captaining them in the latter tournament held in Japan and South Korea.

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His first full managerial role came with the Republic of Ireland, taking over from former youth coach Brian Kerr in January 2006 following a spell as player-assistant coach with Walsall.

His reign as Ireland boss was disastrous and included a last-gasp victory over San Marino and 5-2 defeat by Cyprus as they failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and he lost his job in October 2007.

Former Coventry team-mate McAllister offered Staunton a role as assistant at Leeds United during his time in charge at Elland Road, a move that lasted just under a year before both left the club.

The Darlington job will be Staunton's first as manager at club level, and in Richardson he has appointed a coach with experience at both Newcastle and Sunderland.

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