KEVIN BURGESS has become the latest to leave Darlington, the out-of-favour defender calling time on his Quakers career after three years with the club.
He had a year to run on his contract having signed a two-year deal 12 months ago, but has cancelled his agreement enabling him to move to his next club.
Scarborough Athletic, who have already signed former Darlington midfielder Leon Scott, are eager to bring in Burgess, though Whitby Town remain hopeful.
Burgess found himself out of contention at Quakers shortly after Wright arrived as manager in the first half of last season.
He joined Quakers from Whitby, was immediately made captain by Martin Gray and was an integral part of the team which won the Northern Premier League title in 2015-16.
He played alongside Gary Brown to form the B&B partnership at the heart of defence, making 44 appearances and scoring 11 goals, in a year that climaxed with Burgess lifting the NPL trophy at his former club Whitby.
Burgess was also a regular in 2016-17, Darlington’s first campaign in the National League North at the end of which they finished fifth, but made only four starts and three appearances last season, before returning to Whitby on loan.
He said: "I would just like to thank all of the players that I played with at Darlington Football Club, player that I grew really close to and came to admire, and became close friends with.
"We have shared some great memories at Darlington and I've had some of the best days of my life!
"Thank you to the fans, the heartbeat of the club! I hope you know I gave my all every time I put on a Darlo shirt.
"Gashing my head open and breaking my hand and continuing to play showed my commitment to the club, especially the final few games (in 2015-16). It was never going to stop me doing what we all set out to achieve as a club.
"It was a great two years - one promotion, one play-off place.
"For whatever reason it hasn't worked out this year, but I wish you all the luck in the world, thanks for the continuous massive support."
Wright added: “I would like to thank Kev for his service to the club, he captained the team back to this level of football and that will be remembered.
“When I took over I was open to giving everyone a fair chance but with Kev returning from injury and the signing of Josh Heaton his chances were slim of making a return to the side.”
Meanwhile, Darlington have announced their pre-season schedule which includes four home friendlies against teams from Motherwell, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
Sunday, July 8: Motherwell (home) 2pm
Wednesday, July 11: Sunderland (home) 7.30pm
Saturday, July 14: Eindhoven (away) 1pm
Tuesday, July 17: Shildon (away) 7.30pm
Saturday, July 21: Middlesbrough XI (home) 1pm
Wednesday, July 25: Leeds XI (home) 7.30pm
Sunday, July 29: MarathonBet #NonLeagueChallenge Legends (home) 2pm.
Tuesday, July 31: Northallerton (away) 7.30pm
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