Darlington are delighted to confirm the signing of Tom Allan on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old, who can play as a wide forward or through the middle, becomes Steve Watson’s first new addition to the squad for the 2025/26 season, subject to FA and National League approval.

Tom started his career at Newcastle United, making his professional debut in an FA Cup win over Rochdale, where he provided an assist. He then spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley in League One as well as Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship to get more minutes in men’s football.

Following his release from Newcastle, Tom joined Gateshead, where he went on to make 31 appearances for The Heed and was part of the team that won the FA Trophy in the 2023/24 season.

He also had two loan spells with Spennymoor Town — making 11 appearances and scoring once in 2022/23, and returning for a short loan last November. He finished the 2024/25 season on loan at South Shields, featuring regularly for The Mariners.

Manager Steve Watson spoke on the signing: “I’m delighted to get Tom over the line, he’s a quality player. He will bring pace, power and threat to our forward areas next season. Perhaps most importantly, he’s a real team player. He’ll help drive standards and will fit perfectly into the environment that Terry and I are building here.”

Welcome aboard, Tom — here’s to a big season ahead in a Darlington shirt.