Darlington FC have today signed defender David Atkinson from Blyth Spartans.

David, who comes from Shildon, started his career at Middlesbrough and can play in a variety of defensive positions. Whilst he was at Middlesbrough, he had a loan spell at Carlisle, and helped them avoid relegation in 2015.

He made his move to Brunton Park permanent – he played for the Cumbrians in the FA Cup against Everton – and played a season there before moving to Blyth.

In his first spell at Blyth, he helped them win promotion to the National League North, before he had a spell at IBV Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland, helping them win the Icelandic Cup and Europa League qualification.

After a second move to Blyth, he returned to Iceland and played in the Europa League.

His travels over for family reasons, he came back to Croft Park for a third spell this year, and helped them into the National League play offs, in which they were narrowly beaten by Altrincham. He became a free agent at the end of the season.

Manager Alun Armstrong said; "If he hadn't picked up a knee injury earlier in his career, then I think that he would have become a Premier League player. He can play in a variety of positions -- right back, centre back and centre midfield -- and is reliable wherever he plays. He is tough, strong and quick -- he is one of the best players that I've ever worked with."

We would like to wish David every success in his stay with us.