Darlington Football Club would like to announce the signing of attacker Josh Gillies from Gateshead.

Josh, 26, has been signed on a permanent basis by Darlington manager Martin Gray, who rates the former Carlisle player very highly.

“Josh has got plenty of experience for both Gateshead and Carlisle United in the past,” said MG. “He is a major signing at this stage of the season, and has come highly recommended by several people. I rate him in the same calibre as Phil Turnbull, and I think he’s a player that will go back to playing at a higher level, hopefully with us.”

Josh started his career in the Northern League at Sunderland Nissan, before moving on for brief spells at Newcastle Blue Star and Blyth.

He then moved back into the Northern League to Whitley Bay, for whom he scored in the 6-1 Vase final win over Wroxham at Wembley in 2010.

He then moved on to Gateshead, and was top scorer with 15 goals for them in season 2012-13, earning a call up to the England C squad in the process, playing against Belgium and Turkey.

He was transferred to Carlisle in 2013, and had a loan spell at Cambridge before he was freed by Carlisle in 2015 and rejoined Gateshead. He scored 4 times for the Heed in 23 games last season. He would have played more games, but was hampered by a shoulder injury.

We would like to welcome Josh to the club, and that he has a long and happy stay with us.