DARLINGTON have completed the signing of Guiseley striker James Walshaw.

He arrives at the Northern Echo Arena as Mark Cooper’s first signing of the summer as the Quakers boss looks to build a squad that will challenge for promotion.

The 27-year-old, Guiseley’s top-scorer in the Conference North last season, has signed an initial one-year contract with the option for an extra year.

Last week it seemed Walshaw’s move to the North-East was hanging in the balance after Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick insisted the player would sign a new deal with the West Yorkshire club.

The former Ossett Town, Wakefield and Farsley Celtic forward has also played for the England C team and Cooper admits Quakers have beaten off interest from several clubs for Walshaw’s signature.

“It’s a fantastic signing for us and we’re delighted,” said Cooper.

“James was a sought after player this summer, there were a lot of top clubs after him, League Two clubs and a couple of big-spending Conference clubs.

“But we’re pleased to make an early breakthrough because it’s a difficult time of year, when players and clubs are holding out for the best deal and keeping their cards close to their chest.

“We met with James last week and he obviously liked the look of the place and what we had to say.

“He’s an ambitious lad who has come up through the leagues and he’s hungry to do well.

“He fits into our work ethos. He’s strong, hard-working and has a good track record of scoring goals.

“James wants to achieve as a professional footballer and I’m confident he’ll do well for us.

“He spoke to a few clubs, one over Blackpool way, but he’s decided to sign for us and we’ve done well to get him.”

Now Cooper has his first summer signing in the bag, Quakers boss reveals he is working on deals to bring in two or three more players to the club, but admits he will be patient if it means bringing in the right people.

He said:  “We’re being patient with the players we’re trying to sign.

“We don’t want to pay over the odds for a player who’d be coming here for the wrong reasons.

“That’s why were pleased with the signing of James, because he’s coming here for the right reasons.

“Work is ongoing on a number of other fronts.”