JONNY BURN has become Darlington’s fifth summer signing by joining his hometown club and the defender will soon be followed by the sixth with a goalkeeper in line to sign for Quakers.

Manager Tommy Wright has wasted little time in replacing Josh Heaton by bringing in Burn, who was a free agent after leaving Bristol Rovers.

The 22-year-old, who was a pupil at Longfield School, spent the second half of last season on loan with York City, playing against Quakers at Blackwell Meadows in January.

Having begun his career in the youth system at Middlesbrough, Burn had loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Kilmarnock before signing for Bristol Rovers a year ago.

“I am delighted that we have managed to act fast and sign a replacement for Josh Heaton,” said Wright.

“Jonny is a player I rate very highly, he has great pedigree and has experienced Football League and SPL football.

“More importantly for me was the fact he’s tasted Conference North football and he’s a Darlington lad.

“He understands what the fans expect and for me it’s a great signing for the club.

“Jonny adds to the central defenders we currently have in Dom Collins, Terry Galbraith and Jack Vaulks.”

Wright has been trying to sign a goalkeeper all summer, narrowing his choice down to two. An agreement has now been reached and the signing will be announced this weekend.