NO player has contributed more to Darlington’s season than Mark Beck, so it’s no surprise that manager Martin Gray rates the striker highly and wants to build a team around him.

Quakers play their final game of the season tomorrow at Salford City, a last opportunity for top scorer Beck to add to his goal tally of 17, only two of which have been penalties.

While there is a state of uncertainty surrounding Darlington due to ongoing takeover talks with a potential investor, Gray is planning for the future.

“Becky’s been very important to us, probably our most important player this season,” said the manager, who has selected Beck in all but one league game.

“He has hardly missed a minute and I would like to build a team around him.”

Beck says he has enjoyed his season with Darlington, the first time the 23-year-old has been a regular during a career which has also seen him play for Carlisle, Falkirk and Yeovil.

He did not feature in the opening match of the campaign as Quakers awaited international clearance for their new signing – he ended last season playing for Wrexham – but he has gone on to be a first-choice, substituted only once (at Bradford Park Avenue).

He said: “I’m aware I’ve played nearly every minute and I think my legs are aware of it as well. My aim was to play as much as I could, and score goals obviously, and I’ve played literally as much as I can.

“I’m always in the starting line-up so the gaffer thinks I’m doing something right.

“It’s nice that he’s put his faith in me because I’ve never really had that before.

“I played half a season in Scotland, but other than that I’ve been in and out of teams, so I’ve enjoyed playing every week, very much so.

“If you’re played for a few weeks and then on the sidelines it’s not good, so I’ve enjoyed playing for a great club with great fans and I’m really pleased I signed.”

Although satisfied with 17 goals, Beck would naturally liked to have scored more.

He added: “I said at the start of the season that I wanted to play as many games as I can and hopefully the goals would follow. One in two would’ve been good, so I’m fairly happy with 17.

“If I could get one or two down at Salford that would help.”