Darlington have today agreed the transfer of midfielder Phil Turnbull to his hometown club South Shields.

Phil has been a magnificent servant of Darlington FC, joining us from Gateshead in the summer of 2015, and going on to make 127 appearances for us. He was a key part of the team that won the EvoStik League title in season 2015-16, and then again when we reached the play off positions in the Vanarama National League North in season 2016-17. He also had a brief spell as joint caretaker manager with Gary Brown last season following the departure of Martin Gray.

Phil was a creator rather than scorer of goals, and here's a memorable one that he scored for us against Gloucester in season 2016-17. It was well worth the wait!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYjOc-j266w

Phil said; "Darlington has been fantastic for me, I wouldn't have left if it wasn't for South Shields, my hometown club. It's the right decision for me and my family. I've loved every minute of my time at Darlington, and season 2015-16 when we won the EvoStik League was the best season in my career.  I'll remember it for ever. We got into the play offs the following season, which was another success, and finishing last season in midtable after being near the relegation zone was another one.

"The club is in a better place than when I arrived."

Everyone at Darlington Fc would like to wish Phil all the best for the future -- and we'll certainly miss his terrific post-match interviews.