By Martin Walker

Michael Brough knows what it takes to win games in the Blue Square Premier.

The much-travelled midfielder has played a lot of Conference football over the years as well as more than 100 league games with Notts County.

Brough reckons he knows what it takes for the Quakers to get out of it at the first attempt.

"It's a tough, physical league, but that's what I'm used to," said the 28-year-old, who signed a one-year deal at the Northern Echo Arena yesterday.

"I've been around this league a while now and I know what it takes to get out of it.

"I was part of a promotion-winning team when I was at Torquay, and I had a good month with Stevenage last season. They wanted to extend my loan at that time, but unfortunately it didn't happen because of the situation with Torquay.

"I know what it takes to be successful at this level, and I think that's probably part of the reason why the manager has chosen to bring me here."

Brough also says he considered other moves before eventually opting to sign for the Quakers.

"When the gaffer got the job, he rang me straight away," he said.

"He tried to sign me for Kettering at the start of last season and he knows me from being around this level.

"There were a few clubs in this league interested in signing me, but I didn't have to think much once Darlington got in touch.

"I'm ambitious and I want success, and I think there's a good chance of achieving that here with Mark in charge.

"There's only one thing were going to be interested in this season, and that's promotion. I'm joining a club that has everything in place to be in League Two.

"I'd heard a lot about the stadium, but it's only when you see it that you realise just what a big club this is.

"It'll be a tough season ahead of us, but there's no reason at all why we can't be successful."