DARLINGTON have resigned Liam Hatch after the striker was released by Gateshead.

Hatch, who was part of the FA Trophy-winning team in 2011, has signed a one-year deal with Quakers.

The 32-year-old first joined Darlington during the 2008/09 season when he signed on loan from Peterborough. His loan spell proved a success with seven goals in 15 appearances for the club and after a very brief return to Peterborough he finished the campaign back on loan with Quakers.

The forward spent the following season on loan at Luton Town. The 2010/11 season saw another loan move with Darlington which was eventually made permanent.

He made over 70 appearances for Gateshead and returned to Wembley as Gateshead searched for promotion at the end of the 2013/14 season via the conference play-offs. However that time with Gateshead ended earlier this week when he was one of 11 players released by the Heed. Quakers boss Martin Gray has wasted very little time in bringing the forward back to the club.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to bring Liam back to the club. Obviously he’s had a lot of success since he last played for us, but he was impressed with the setup at the club, and is looking forward to playing for us again.”