DARLINGTON have come to a conclusion in their search for a new No. 1 with Jonny Maddison joining, a deal which represents “a real coup for the club”, says Tommy Wright.

The 23-year-old has left Yeovil Town, where he had a year’s contract to run, but is from Chester-le-Street and began his career in the youth set-up at Sunderland.

Quakers boss Wright has been searching for a goalkeeper since the end of last season, when Aynsley Pears played his last game following a successful loan spell and returned to Middlesbrough, who want their player to join a club higher up the pyramid to gain further experience.

Wright is delighted to have signed Maddison, a player that he has rated for years.

He said: “He signed for Leicester four years ago which is when I first became aware of him as he played against my then Corby Town team in a friendly in 2015. He had a great game that day and I’ve had his name in my player list since then.

“In Jonny we are getting ourselves a goalkeeper that is focused and determined to establish himself as a number one.

“He is a great age at 23 and has all the attributes to g a lot higher in the game.

“He played ten times last season in League Two, I’m delighted to have secured a permanent goalkeeper and I feel it’s a real coup for the club.”

Maddison has become Darlington’s sixth summer signing, and Wright added: “I felt it was important we got a settled team as soon as possible and Jonny joins the group which meets up again next Saturday.

“We had very good options to take a goalkeepers on loan from Premier League and Championship sides and I think those clubs for their help.”

Darlington had their first pre-season training session on Saturday, with Andy Collett attending as goalkeeper coach for the first time since returning to the club this summer.

Darlington’s five other summer signings have been: Liam Hughes, Simon Ainge, Jordan Nicholson, Alex Henshall and Jonny Burn.

Meanwhile, striker Reece Styche has signed a new two-year deal with Darlington.

“It goes without saying that last season was one of the best I’ve had personally,” said Styche, who scored 23 goals in 36 appearances including his start to the season with Tamworth.

“The fans took to me, obviously I know the gaffer well and I played some of my best football, so I’m really happy.”