Darlington have strengthened their midfield with the signing of former Middlesbrough youngster Ben Liddle.

He was in attendance at Quakers’ first home game of the season a fortnight ago, watching from the balcony alongside chief executive David Johnston as Darlington beat Gloucester 3-1.

Liddle, who turns 24 next month, was a free agent after leaving Bristol Rovers.

He came through the ranks at Boro, the high point being starting an FA Cup tie away to Tottenham Hotspur in front of 50,000 during January 2020.

Liddle made a handful of appearances on loan at Blyth Spartans, Forest Green and Scunthorpe United, before leaving Boro in October 2020 to join Bristol Rovers - he made his debut for them against Quakers in the FA Cup.

Liddle becoming a Quaker means he follows in the footsteps of his dad 24 years ago.

Craig Liddle is regarded as a Quakers legend having made over 300 appearances in eight years at Darlington.

He joined from Middlesbrough and went onto become a mainstay of the defence. He had a testimonial in 2005 at the Arena, with six-year-old Ben a mascot.

After Craig’s playing days ended became youth team coach and then manager during the 2011-12 season.