WILL HATFIELD has become Darlington’s ninth summer arrival, a player who will add steel to midfield.

That is the verdict of manager Alun Armstrong, who talked glowingly of the 27-year-old after bringing him to Blackwell Meadows.

Hatfield has left Guiseley after four seasons with the Yorkshire club and he looked the part during Saturday’s friendly against Motherwell, a 3-0 win for the Scottish Premiership side.

“Will’s going to be a really good signing for this club,” said the manager.

“He’s good friends with Michael Liddle and as soon as I knew he was available I wanted him.

“He gives us a bit of steel in there, he anticipates things, he’s on the front foot and he’s a leader.

“He started at Leeds and played league football with Accrington, so he’s got plenty of experience behind him.

“He’s got a real desire and work ethic, a bit of metal and he doesn’t give in.”

Hatfield made a name for himself last season by scoring a volley in a televised FA Cup tie against Cambridge United, a thrilling game that Guiseley won 4-3 having been 4-0 up at one stage.

It was not his first taste of success in the competition as he once scored four goals in a tie for Accrington Stanley against AFC Fylde, so Quakers will be dearly hoping Hatfield can help some magic of the cup rub off on them.

The midfielder netted from long-range against Spennymoor Town last season, a game that Armstrong was present for.

“I watched him last year against Spenny, I think he’d just come back from an injury, and he rifled a free-kick into the top bin to bring it back to 3-2,” added Armstrong.

“I’d never seen Spenny so rattled, he was right in among them and Guiseley should’ve got something from the game, they hit the bar late on.

“He’s got a real desire and worth ethic, a bit of metal and he doesn’t give in.”

Quakers’ next first-team fixture is on Friday away to Harrogate Town (7.30pm), though they also play on Tuesday at Eastbourne Sports Complex against Darlington Town (7pm).

Primarily Armstrong’s side will be made up of players from the academy, though Terry Galbraith and Liddle may feature as both were unavailable on Saturday.

Armstrong said: “Tuesday will be the lads who were on the bench on Saturday, but I’ll speak to Tez and Lidds to see if they want to get involved rather than going straight into the Harrogate game, because that will be a tough game.”