DARLINGTON striker Lee Gaskell has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract with Quakers.

The player has penned a 12-month deal, which includes a further year as an option in favour of the club.

He contributed 14 goals to Darlington’s promotion-winning campaign, and also won the club’s goal of the season contest for a fine individual strike at home to Matlock Town, while his goals away to Blyth and Mickleover were also shortlisted.

“I’m delighted because he made a massive difference to us last season with his goals and performances,” said manager Martin Gray.

“What I’m looking forward to is that he will get a full pre-season with me for the first time. I know what he’s about, he knows what I’m about and he will be the fittest he's ever been.

“This level is even better and we know need to get everyone up to speed.”

With Darlington next season in the National League North, two divisions below the Football League, Gray revealed that he plans to hold training twice a week and the step up in schedule was a factor in delaying Gaskell’s new deal.

“We’ve had a few conversations over the summer about it,” said Gray. “We all wanted Lee to stay, but we had to talk about the commitment needed this year because we’re stepping up the training programme.

“Lee is the player that has the most travelling to do and it’s a big commitment coming to Darlington on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

“He had to take that on board, but luckily he works for his father so that makes things more manageable.”

The new deal quashes speculation regarding Gaskell’s future, which had grown since Darlington played their final game of their season in April.

Manchester-based Gaskell joined during the first half of last season from Ramsbottom United, but both parties agreed he would not sign a contract as both parties wished to give the arrangement some time before agreeing to put pen to paper.

Meanwhile, Darlington’s pre-season is shaping up with a fixture at Harrogate RA the latest added to their schedule:

Saturday, July 2: Buxton v Darlington

Tuesday, July 5: Harrogate RA v Darlington

Tuesday, July 12: Billingham Synthonia v Darlington

Wednesday, July 20: Richmond v Darlington Under-18s

Friday, July 22: Gateshead v Darlington