Darlington have bolstered their strikeforce by bringing in former Gateshead striker Nathan Fisher.

The forward has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with Quakers, the team he supported as a youngster.

Fisher, from Richmond, left Gateshead at the end of last season and Darlington manager Martin Gray wanted to sign him then, but he decided to play in Thailand over the summer.

The 24-year-old returned to the UK last Wednesday and, after holding talks with Gray on Friday evening and watching Darlington’s game on Saturday, has agreed to join the club.

“He’s a top player and I’m absolutely delighted to sign him,” said Gray.

“He’s someone I tried to sig in the summer, but he wanted to do a bit of travelling and he went to Thailand for a few months.

“He’s glad to sign for Darlington because he’s a fan of the club and it’s always good to have someone in your squad who has grown up as a fan.”

Fisher’s arrival further improves an area of the squad that was already strong with Amar Purewal, Andy Johnson and David Dowson already competing for places, while Steven Johnson remains with Quakers and is currently recovering from injury.

Gray added: “I’m always looking for better players. It’s great to have competition for places and you can’t have enough quality strikers.”

Fisher came through the ranks at Middlesbrough before joining Chester-le-Street Town in the Northern League where he scored a lot of goals and impressed then Gateshead boss Ian Bogie.

He is already known to Darlington fans having scored against the club in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy for Gateshead in 2011, while he has frequently made his allegiance to the club known via Twitter.

Fisher may make his debut on Tuesday when Darlington play at Ramsbottom United, if he receives international clearance in time.

He tweeted on Sunday evening: "Buzzing to have finally signed for Darlo, can't wait to start just need international clearance now!"