Centre half Burgess, 27, signed a two year contract with Quakers on Monday night, after completing his contract at fellow Premier Division side Whitby Town, where he’d played for seven years and made 276 appearances.

He didn’t need much persuasion to join forces again with Martin Gray, whom he’d played under in the Darlington youth team in 2007.

[caption id="attachment_12064" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kevin Burgess in 2008[/caption]

“I know Martin Gray from when I was at Darlington in their Football League days. He rang me at the weekend, because he’d heard that I was out of contract at Whitby.

“He wanted to meet straight away. I listened to what he had to say – I didn’t need much persuasion to sign. He didn’t need to sell the club to me, I already knew plenty about it. He made feel so wanted, and that I could be a key part of what the club is trying to achieve, and that’s another promotion.

“I was at the play off semi final against Spennymoor, and what an unbelievable atmosphere that was. It really was something else especially with 2,000 people in the ground.

“As far as I’m concerned, Darlington is the most ambitious club in the area. I’ve always kept an eye out for their results, even when they dropped down into the Northern League three years ago, plus I know a few of the Darlington lads. Leon Scott, Graeme Armstrong and Tom Portas all played at Whitby, and I’ve kept in touch with them since they left.

“I’ve got plenty of ambition and will-to-win, and I want to be part of something great. The squad looks strong and experienced, and there are lots of positives.”

Kevin was originally signed by MG when he was nearing the end of his Middlesbrough scholarship. “Martin came in for me, and he and Dave Penney liked what they saw. I signed a contract, but I was too inexperienced and lightweight. So I was sent on loan to Whitby – and that didn’t half toughen me up! I learned how to look after myself, and my game developed.

“I moved permanently to Whitby, and I stayed there for seven years. I was disappointed when Graeme Armstrong, Tom Portas and Shane Henry all left Whitby last season, and they weren’t replaced. I suppose in a way I was waiting for a phone call from Darlington. I can’t wait for pre season to begin, although Martin has told me that it will be the toughest one I’ve ever had!

“Martin knows that this division is tougher than the First Division. Opponents are stronger, quicker and are better on the ball. There are no easy games, you certainly can’t go into games thinking that there will be an easy three points.

“But looking at the Darlington squad, I think it will be well enough equipped to get promotion.”