Amar Purewal says that he is leaving Darlington with a “heavy heart”.

Amar, one of the club’s most popular players in recent years, completed a transfer to Northern League club Shildon last weekend.

“I found it very difficult to leave the club, but it was the right time for both parties to go our separate ways,” he said. “ I want to play games, but I accept that there’s competition for places with Nathan Cartman, Liam Hardy and Mark Beck also in the squad.

“It’s been fantastic to win three promotion winners’ medals with the club, and I’d like to think I’ve played a part in bringing the club to where it is now. To pass my target of 20 goals per season twice was very satisfying.

“When I got my injury, I was in my best scoring form. I’d scored 13 goals in 15 games when it happened, and then I was ruled out for a year.

“I’m delighted with the way that I came back and played a part in some games, but I’m in a situation now in which I want to play games. I respect the club’s position, and we’ve parted on very good terms.”

Amar scored 61 goals for Quakers in 115 games, a terrific ratio of a goal in every other game, and he rates his last minute goal against Team Northumbria at the end of the Northern League title season as his best memory.

“I remember when I ran through and buried the ball into the bottom corner for the third goal, the whole ground just erupted, because that guaranteed the club promotion.

“I will always remember the togetherness of the players, management, directors and fans – they were great times.”

Everyone connected with Darlington FC passes on their best wishes to Amar, and hope that he enjoys great success with Shildon.