Quakers capture Clarke

Darlington manager Tommy Taylor has made Halifax Town defender Matthew Clarke his first summer signing.

Clarke spent a spell on trial at Manchester City last season and had been tipped to follow his twin brother Chris to Blackpool.

Quakers defender joins Norwich

However, Darlington have stepped in to capture the 21-year-old former Wolves player.

Clarke said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for Darlington.

"Obviously I was a bit down after being relegated last season but thank Darlington's chairman for giving me the opportunity to bounce back.

He'll be a real asset

Tommy Taylor
Darlington manager

"It's nice to go to a club that isn't going to settle for second or third place.

"The facilities are great, especially the new stadium."

Clarke spent three seasons at the Shay and was a regular last term as Halifax were relegated to the Nationwide Conference.

He was the only senior player to be retained when the Shaymen went into administration earlier this summer, as the club hoped to attract a transfer fee for the big central defender.

However, he was also released at the end of June, prompting Quakers boss Taylor to make his move.

"We are really pleased to take the boy into the team. He'll be a real asset," he said.

"We tried to get him early last season to bolster our defence. I think he will do very well in the future."