Lewis Nightingale says that joining Quakers is a “no-brainer.”

Quakers’ new signing, who is an attacking midfield player, joined earlier in the week from Farsley Celtic in the First Division North, having starred for them for two years, earning several awards.

He began his career at Huddersfield as a six year old and after a year and a half as a pro, was released at the age of 19. He then went on to play for Bradford Park Avenue, Farsley, Curzon Ashton, Mossley and Farsley again for a second spell.

“It was difficult to leave Farsley, I have had two good years there and improved as a player,” he said. “They’ve brought the best out of me and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“There were several things that attracted me to Darlington. They’re going to play in a higher league than what I’ve been playing in, and the size and structure of the club were a massive draw for me.

“I knew Carts (Nathan Cartman) from earlier in my career and he sold the club really well to me, and by the time I’d finished talking to Martin Gray, then it was a no-brainer.

“I know about the size of the fanbase as well, so I’m really looking forward to playing for the club in the National League.

“I had a few clubs interested in me. I spoke to Chorley in the middle of the season just finished, and I turned them down. I wanted to see the season out at Farsley.

“At the end of the season, I had interest from clubs in the National League Premier and National League North, but Darlington is the place I want to be.

“I’ve been watching the highlights of the Darlignton games on the website. There have been some great games and some great goals, especially the Whitby game. What has also been impressive is the level of support – I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

Lewis has just had a great season with Farsley Celtic in the NPL First Division North. He was named in the league’s team of the season, and he also won two player of the year awards from his own club.

“I like to think of myself as more of an attacking midfielder, and not a striker. I scored 22 goals in the season just ended, and it was great to have some recognition for what I’d done.”

Quakers had someone at the Spennymoor v Farsley game at Christmas, when Lewis scored one of the goals in their 4-0 win.

“I think that was one of my best performances at Spennymoor that day, the goal I scored stuck in my memory. It was maybe one of my best of the season.

“I want to take my form into next season now. “