Darlington are excited to announce the signing of Mark Beck for the 2026/27 season on a two-year deal, subject to FA and National League approval.

Here's his first interview since agreeing to return:

Mark, 32, returns for the Quakers for the third time from Scunthorpe United after spending time on loan at both Alfreton Town, where he scored seven goals in ten games, before moving to Gateshead for the second half of the 25/26 season, where he would make 13 appearances and score three goals, which helped play a part in keeping the Heed safe in the National League.

The former Scotland U19 international started his career at Carlisle United, where he would make 66 appearances, scoring seven goals, before making the move to Yeovil Town in 2015. After making eight appearances for the Glovers, Beck would join Darlington for the 16/17 season, where he would score 18 league goals in 44 games. Beck would move to Harrogate in November 2017 and stayed there for five seasons, scoring 34 goals in 150 games for the club, helping them win promotion to the National League and the Football League, and the FA Trophy. 

The striker returned to Darlington for the 22/23 season and instantly hit the ground running with six goals in his first eight games, including a hat-trick over Southport in the FA Cup. Beck would go on to score 18 goals in 28 games before moving to Solihull Moors in January 2023. He made 66 appearances for the Moors, scoring 13 times, before moving to Scunthorpe United in 2024, where he made 36 appearances, scoring two goals.

Manager Steve Watson on the signing:

“I’m absolutely delighted to get Mark over the line. I think he is going to be a really important signing and a key player for us.

Having worked with him before, I know the qualities he brings. He also has a real affinity with Darlington, and the job he did during his previous spell here was fantastic. Hopefully, we can recreate that success with him this time around.

After losing Cedric Main at the end of the season, it was important that we brought in the right player. It took a little bit of time, but I could not be happier with the outcome. Mark is delighted to be back and ready to get started.”

We at the club are over the moon to have Mark back in Darlo colours, and we are looking forward to seeing him up top for the Quakers this season!