Sunderland RCA manager Marty Swales says that new signing Liam Hatch remained true to his word in talks with the club.

Hatch, who became a Darlington hero when he scored one goal and set up another in their play off semi final with Spennymoor last season, joined the Northern League club after he was made available for transfer by Quakers.

“While he was talking to us, other clubs wanted to speak to him but he remained true to his word and signed for us,” said Swales, who is starting his first full season in charge.

“He knows a couple of lads at the club that he was with at Gateshead, Colin Larkin and Callum Hope, and they were a factor in him coming to join us.

“The good thing is, that he can play well at centre forward and centre half, and I’m sure that he’ll do well for us in the Northern League.

“During my talks with him, he’s been smashing.”

Hatch will probably turn out in a game against RCA’s neighbours, Ryhope CW, this Saturday afternoon. The clubs will be competing for the Allan Thompson Memorial Shield, in memory of Allan Thompson who managed both clubs – just as Swales has done.

Hatch was once transferred from Barnet to Peterborough for £150,000, and memorably scored twice for Darlington in their FA trophy semi final against Gateshead in 2011. He then starred in defence when they won at Wembley.

After playing for Gateshead in the Conference play off final in the 2013-14 season, he joined Quakers again at the start of last season, but never really became a regular.