DARLINGTON boss Alun Armstrong has moved quickly to secure the services of striker Dan Maguire following his release from York City.

Armstrong worked with Maguire during the pair’s time at Blyth Spartans, and was keen to recruit the 27-year-old once his release from Bootham Crescent was confirmed in the wake of York’s National League North play-off semi-final defeat to Altrincham.

Having started his career at Seaton Delavel in the Northern Alliance, Maguire joined Blyth in 2012 and spent seven years at Croft Park.

He scored 37 goals in 54 appearances as Blyth won promotion from the EvoStik Premier League in 2016-17, a season that also saw him capped by England C and crowned NPL Player of the Year, and netted 19 goals under Armstrong in the 2018-19 campaign that saw Blyth reach the National League North play-offs.

He made 14 appearances for York last season, scoring two goals, and Armstrong is confident his goalscoring qualities will help Darlington next term.

“Hopefully, Dan is the missing piece in our jigsaw,” said Armstrong, who is working towards a proposed National League North start date of October 3. “We’ve been missing somebody like ‘Nipper’ (Maguire), who scores goals on a regular basis, and he wants to get back to what he knows best.

“He’s a phenomenal goalscorer, who can score them out of nothing, especially on the counter-attack. He’s set up for the system that we play.

“He’s strong, physical and sets the other players up really well. He will give us lots of massive options with the other players – I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

Maguire’s move to York did not go to plan, so the forward is looking to get his career back on track at Blackwell Meadows.

“It’s a new venture,” said the striker. “I had a bit of a stop-start season last year, so I just want to get back to what I was doing prior – get some goals in and play some attacking football.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for me. It’s a big club with good fans, and I’ve obviously worked with Alun before.

“I know a lot of the lads, and I just think it’s a good fit.”