Our former loanee Charlie Lennon has signed for EFL club Barnsley.

Charlie was a big hit when he was on loan from Boro, making 24 appearances and scoring three times.

He scored one of our goals in the 75th minute in the win over Worksop -- here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eFGdFtqrV0

Darlington manager Steve Watson said; "We're all disappointed that Charlie won't be in our team any more, but we couldn't be more happy for the boy himself, securing a move to a club where he'll give himself a chance of a really great career.

"He's been excellent for us, he's been very good with the ball and he's improved so much without the ball, so obviously he's willing to learn.

"We wish him all the best. Hopefully this will be another example of clubs loaning us players and us improving them, and helping them have great careers in football."

Everyone at the club is delighted for Charlie, and we believe his move strengthens our reputation for developing young players and giving them opportunities to play competitive football in National League North. Two seasons ago, Matty Young was on loan to us from Sunderland, and he is now playing in the EFL for Salford.

We would like to wish Charlie well at Barnsley, and we would also like to thank Middlesbrough for loaning him to us.

Here he is, talking to the Barnsley website

https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2026/january/17/lennon--interview/