New Darlington striker Simon Johnson has been tipped to take League Two by storm.

The 22-year-old is Quakers' only pre-season signing so far and will be competing for a starting place alongside Clyde Wijnhard and Akpo Sodje.

While assistant manager Mark Proctor admits Darlington would like a fourth striker to ensure strength in depth, he has high hopes for a player he has been a fan of for sometime.

Johnson was a regular scorer in Leeds' reserve side and has scored eight goals in loan spells at various clubs.

Proctor lauded the youngster, saying: "Given a few breaks and a good pre-season he could be a wow at our level.

"He's quite quick and had a good goalscoring record in Leeds' reserve team.

"We made a few inquires, asked other people about him and decided to take the plunge. I watched him against Scarborough for Leeds reserves last season but he got sent off after 20 minutes!

"It was quite reassuring that Sunderland took him on loan because it showed that someone else had identified his qualities.

"But I know Simon from his youth academy days at Leeds and we have crossed swords on numerous occasions over the years.

"He's got a good pedigree at international youth level and has been at a massive club in Leeds. He was there when they were a major force in Europe under David O'Leary.

"He did have a flirtation with the first team but he's got the typical CV of a young lad at a big club.

"It's time he in his career that he plays 30-40 games a season which is what the true pros do."

Johnson was given the number 11 shirt as Darlington announced their reorganised squad numbers yesterday which did not include Adolfo Gregorio and his future remains uncertain.

Craig Liddle's No. 4 four shirt, which he had worn since signing for the club eight years ago, has been taken by Matty Appleby and while a question mark still hangs over keeper Sam Russell's future he remains at No. 23, leaving the No. 1 jersey vacant.

For the first time since Lee Nogan left the club Quakers finally have a striker at No. 9. Previously the shirt had been filled by a succession of midfielders including Mark Ford, Clark Keltie and Stephen Thomas but next season Clyde Wijnard will bear the traditional number for a striker.

Squad numbers: 2 Ryan Valentine, 3 Joe Kendrick, 4 Matty Appleby, 5 Matt Clarke, 6 Joey Hutchinson, 7 Neil Wainwright, 8 Adrian Webster, 9 Clyde Wijnhard, 10 Jonjo Dickman, 11 Simon Johnson, 12 Neil Maddison, 14 Stephen Thomas, 15 David McGurk, 16 Clark Keltie, 17 Akpo Sodje, 18 Brian Close, 19 Chris Mason, 23 Sam Russell.

* Stuart Elliott, scorer of Darlington's League Cup winner over Nottingham Forest five years ago, has joined Northwich Victoria - the 27-year-old's ninth club since leaving Quakers and the 18th in total he's been at.

* Keith Gilroy, who made two appearances for Darlington after leaving Scarborough midway through last season, has been signed by Nigel Clough for Burton Albion.

* Hartlepool are poised to make former Sunderland striker Michael Proctor their first signing of the summer later this week.

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