Fans favourite returns to Quakers

Striker Liam Hatch will be leading the line for Darlington in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League come August after returning to the Quakers on a one year deal.

The fans’ favourite, pictured, was part of the club’s FA Trophy-winning team of 2011 and signed for the First Division North club on Friday following his release by Conference Premier Gateshead.

The 32-year-old first joined the Quakers during the 2008-09 campaign on loan from Peterborough United. After a spell at Luton the following year, he returned to the North East outfit again on loan before the move was made permanent during the 2010-11 season.

Hatch made more than 70 appearances for Gateshead and was one of 11 players released this week following the club’s failed bid to return to the Football League via the Conference Premier Play-off Final at Wembley when they were beaten by Cambridge United.

Quakers manager Martin Gray said he jumped at the chance to bring the forward back to the club after the impact he'd had previously.

Gray said: "I am absolutely delighted to be able to bring Liam back to the club. Obviously he’s had a lot of success since he last played for us but he was impressed with the set-up at the club and is looking forward to playing for us again."

Image courtesy of www.gateshead-fc.com