Darlington’s new boss Alun Armstrong has returned to former club Blyth to land two more new players - with another to follow.

Exciting winger Jarrett Rivers and defender David Atkinson have both moved to the Quakers and Louis Laing is set to join them.

Both Jarrett and Atkinson have decided to head to Blackwell Meadows at the end of their contracts at Croft Park. Both men started out at Middlesbrough, where Armstrong also spent time as a coach.

Speaking about Atkinson, Armstrong said: “If he hadn't picked up a knee injury earlier in his career, then I think that he would have become a Premier League player.

“He can play in a variety of positions - right back, centre back and centre midfield - and is reliable wherever he plays.

“He is tough, strong and quick - he is one of the best players that I've ever worked with."

Jarrett was released from Middlesbrough in 2013 when he joined Northern League club Whitley Bay. He scored the winning goal a year later for Blyth in the FA Cup win at Hartlepool.

Atkinson is from Shildon and went to Blyth after a spell with Carlisle. Together with Jarrett and Laing, who is set to follow, they have helped Blyth to the play-offs this season. They follow Michael Liddle to Darlington.