Spennymoor Town have swooped to land their first new signing of the summer, securing the services of goalscorer Stephen Thompson from Darlington.
The 31-year-old attacker can operate across the front line and has been a thorn in the side of Jason Ainsley’s men for many years during contests with The Quakers.
Thompson’s sublime technique and eye for goal saw him achieve the all-time scoring record at Darlington, equalling Alan Walsh’s 30-year-old record with a winning penalty against The Moors on Boxing Day 2019.
This achievement cemented his already-assured legendary status with the Darlington support and etched his name into Quakers history.
Having started his career in the youth set-up at Middlesbrough, Thompson made the move to Football League side Port Vale for the 2008/09 season. Just over one year later he had short spells with Conference North side Telford and Northern Premier League Division One club Durham City.
Thompson joined Darlington in 2012 and has never looked back, leaving defenders in his wake and scooping accolades for the last eight years.
Moors boss Jason Ainsley is delighted to have landed the major signing of a player he has admired for years.
He said: “Stephen is a player I have admired for a long period of time and he has been a constant problem when he has played against us over the years.
“He has great ability and he can not only create chances for others, but can win a game on his own.
“He can play in a number of positions at the top end of the pitch, which is beneficial to us and, after speaking to him, he is really energised and looking forward to getting started with the rest of the group.
“We are delighted he has chosen to come to Spennymoor and I’m sure he will become a firm favourite amongst the supporters.”
Thompson has echoed Ainsley’s delight at becoming the Moors’ first signing of the summer. He said: “This club is looking to go in one direction. All you have to do is take a look around the place and see what has been done here over the last few years by the Chief Executive and the Manager.
“I know there has been interest in the past and Spennymoor is a club I have admired. After speaking to the Manager and the Chief Exec, I immediately felt wanted, which helped me make my decision.
“There was also a very similar offer on the table from Darlington, but I felt that the time was right to move to on. It was a footballing decision and I want to see what I can accomplish with Spennymoor.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started and finding out what the season brings.”
