Newcastle United Academy product Luke Charman has signed for Darlington.
The Vanarama National League North side swooped to sign Charman after his contract on Tyneside wasn't renewed but the striker is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.
Charman scored 16 goals for Newcastle in 50 Premier League 2 appearances and twice in the EFL Trophy but was not afforded a chance at first-team level.
He will now work with former Newcastle youth player and ex-Ipswich Town, Stockport County and Middlesbrough star Alun Armstrong.
Charman said: "I was really impressed by what Alun told me about the club, I'm really looking forward to playing and scoring a few goals."
Armstrong said: "Luke has shown plenty of promise at Newcastle, but his chances of progressing there were very limited.
"He will give us extra options up front, and I believe that we will realise his potential, making him an excellent striker in this league.
“He was someone I tried to get on loan twice last season but Newcastle wouldn’t let him out.
"He did have other clubs higher up talking to him but I managed to convince him to join us - he is good friends with Jamie Holmes which I’m sure helped with his decision."
