MARCUS MADDISON’S brief spell as a Darlington player is over, after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Maddison, who started his career in youth ranks of Newcastle United before going on to enjoy considerable success with Peterborough United, joined Quakers in June.

His signing was regarded as a considerable coup given that he had previously starred at Championship and League One level, but his time at Blackwell Meadows was hardly a success.

The 29-year-old barely featured in Alun Armstrong’s first-team squad this season, and his final appearance for Darlington came as a substitute in August’s 1-1 draw at Spennymoor Town.

Quakers have won their last six league games in a row without him in the ranks, and he was not part of the matchday squad for last weekend’s 1-0 win at Chester.

A statement on Darlington’s website said: “Darlington FC would like to announce that we have agreed to cancel the contract of Marcus Maddison by mutual consent. We would like to wish Marcus all the best for the future.”