Darlington are delighted to announce the signing of Max Howells for the 2026/27 season on a one year deal, subject to FA and National League approval.

Here he is talking to DFR's Max O'Hara about his return to the club:

Max, 21, initially joined the club on a one month loan in October last season and scored on his debut against Southport. He went on to make 26 appearances for the Quakers, scoring five goals, including a spectacular volley against FC United of Manchester in the FA Trophy.

Born in Stockton, Max joined the Middlesbrough Academy at the age of nine and progressed through the ranks. He first went out on loan to Whitby Town during the 2023/24 season, scoring five goals in ten appearances. During the 2024/25 campaign, he joined Stockton Town on loan and helped them reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division play offs.

Assistant manager Terry Mitchell said: “We are delighted to secure Max as a Darlington player for next season.

“He had an excellent loan spell with us last season, thanks to Middlesbrough, and securing him as our player was a key priority for us this summer.

“As our supporters will know, Max brings loads of energy and pace down the right hand side and in the top line of the team, which gives us valuable options within the squad.

“We are really looking forward to working with him again and helping him continue to develop and progress his career here at Darlington.”

The club is thrilled to have Max back with us for the 2026/27 campaign and can’t wait to see him in action once again for the Quakers.