First Division newcomers Newton Aycliffe have signed former Darlington midfielder Josh Gray.

The 20 year old has been training and playing in pre-season friendlies for Consett and West Auckland, but instead he met with Aycliffe officials on Monday night and signed for the Moore Lane club, which is preparing for their big kick off at home to Stokesley on Saturday.

Aycliffe manager Alan Oliver said: “Josh is a great signing, and will be a bit more of a threat with his pace.”

Gray is known as a wide left midfielder, but he also played for Darlington at left back. He made his Darlington debut in November 2008, and made 49 appearances, scoring once in the League Two game at Burton Albion.

Meanwhile, the anticipation is building for the club’s first division debut on Saturday.

“Our aim is to establish ourselves as a Northern League first division side for years to come,” said Oliver. “We want to have a stable club, and be able to attract quality players. It won’t be done overnight, especially as the Northern League first division is a high standard, and has improved considerably since I was manager of West Auckland in the first division a few years ago. Clubs have proved that in national competitions."