Darlington have today signed highly-rated striker Cedric Main for an undisclosed fee from York City.

Cedric, 26, started his career in Holland and played for several youth sides including FC Groningen, before joining CF La Nercia in Spain.

He moved to England in January 2021, and joined NPL side FC United for whom he scored 6 goals in 19 NPL games.

After a spell in the full time game at South Shields from October 2021 where he was used mostly as a substitute, scoring 3 goals in 18 games, he joined forces in September 2022 with former Shields manager Graham Fenton at Blyth. He contributed to 16 goals for Blyth and scored three himself in the league that season, as well as scoring all four in a 4-2 victory over Buxton in the FA Trophy. His goals and assists were important in helping Blyth avoid relegation.

That form was impressive enough for York to sign him and take him back into the full time game after his contract ended at the end of the 2022-23 season, but they loaned him back to Blyth in September. Since then, he scored 9 goals in 16 matches for Spartans, as well as providing six assists.

He returned to York at the end of his loan earlier this week, and manager Steve Watson quickly beat several other interested clubs to agree an undisclosed fee with York and terms with the player.

Assistant manager Terry Mitchell said; “We’re delighted to sign Cedric on a permanent basis. He’s an exciting player, and gives us something different up front. He’s got a lot of pace, and as his scoring record shows, he’s a proven striker in this league.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen this area of the team in recent weeks, and hopefully he’ll bring us the goals we need.

“We’d like to thank the fans because without their contributions to Boost the Budget, we wouldn’t have been able to sign him.”

Cedric, who has signed a contract until the end of next season, will now go into the squad for Saturday’s home game with Hereford. We would like to wish Cedric all the best during his stay with us.

We would also like to thank York City for their help in getting the transfer through before the Friday 5pm deadline.