IAN Clark's on-off transfer from Hartlepool United to rivals Darlington was finally sealed last night.

The left-winger has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal after both clubs agreed a fee of £10,000, rising to £15,000 after 20 appearances.

Darlington manager Tommy Taylor was expecting to complete the signing on Tuesday, but complications over the fee held up the sale.

However, after a series of negotiations, Taylor, who tried to sign the player twice during his time at Leyton Orient, got his man.

There was no one more pleased than Clark to see the transfer wrangle come to an end.

The 27-year-old, who passed a medical yesterday, said: "It's a huge relief. I'm glad I can now focus on my football.

"I don't know an awful lot about the problems that have gone on, all I'm concerned about now is trying to help Darlington have a good season and I can't wait to get going."

Clark will not be available for his new side in this Saturday's FA Cup first-round clash at Kidderminster, but he is expected to make his first appearance at Feethams against Rochdale on Tuesday.

The former Doncaster Rovers man links up again with Taylor's number two Mick Tait - the man who took him to Victoria Park in 1997.

And Clark, who becomes the first player to leave Pool for Darlington since Paul Olsson in August 1994, revealed he is looking forward to working with his former boss again.

"I have the utmost respect for Mick," said Clark, who has not played for Pool since September 25.

"All the players I know who have worked with him think he is a great guy.

"I also know Tommy and working under the pair of them was another incentive for me to come here."

When the two Third Division neighbours meet on January 5 at Feethams, Clark will no doubt receive a barrage of abuse from the Pool fans.

However, despite knowing the date of the clash, he indicated that is not a game he immediately looked for on the fixture list.

"I know when it is but I don't think 'right when's that game'," said Clark.

"But it will be a game to look forward to.

"I look at the situation now as a great opportunity at a new club where I'm looking to do well.

"I have had plenty of happy times at Hartlepool and I would not say anything bad about them.

"I'm leaving with a lot of friends and Chris Turner has just rung me to wish me well."

Meanwhile, Darlington chairman George Reynolds indicated last night that Taylor will sign a two-year-contract - but he has not as yet.

Reports suggested the new Darlington boss signed a deal yesterday, but Reynolds said: "He has got a two-year deal waiting for him.

"But he hasn't signed it yet - he will do, but not yet because there has been so much going on with the Clark transfer.

"Both Tommy and Mick are working well together and that's why they have been offered the same length of contract."

Read more about the Quakers here.