Dowson’s arrival makes it a dozen new signings (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Dowson’s arrival makes it a dozen new signings

8:00am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Sport By Craig Stoddart, Deputy Sports Editor

Darlington manager Martin Gray, centre, greets his latest signings. From left to right are Stephen Harrison, Arjun Purewal, Amar Purewal and David Dowson

Darlington last night completed two more signings, which included the capture of former Durham City striker David Dowson.

He was the joint third highest scorer in the Evo-Stik First Division North last season and, along with new right-back Stephen Harrison, manager Martin Gray has taken the number of new arrivals at Darlington to 12 in ten days.

Harrison was in the youth system at Sunderland and has since played for Spennymoor, Blyth and Bedlington Terriers, but it's Dowson's capture that most pleases Gray.

The 23-year-old bagged 21 league goals last season, 24 in all competitions, and he becomes the third to join Quakers from Durham.

He follows the Purewal twins - forward Amar and centre-back Arjun - in making the move and Dowson is looking forward to linking up with the pair.

He said: "I played with Amar last season and I think he got something like 21 goals. I got 24 in 39 games - not that I'm counting!

"For the majority of last season Amar played on the left and got a lot of those goals from there, but I think his favourite position is up front. It will be good to play with them again."

Dowson, who coaches with the SAFC Foundation, Sunderland's registered charity, has been given a contract by Gray.

He added: "It's good to have that support and confidence from the manager, now I've got to repay him.

"I wouldn't say I'm overly confident [about scoring], but hopefully if the chances come I'll put them away."

Dowson's move represents a return to the club having been signed on loan from Sunderland, alongside Jamie Chandler, when Colin Todd was boss in 2009.

He was released by the Black Cats in 2010 and after short spells with Gateshead and York he joined Durham in October 2010 since when he has been a regular scorer.

Looking back on his spell at The Northern Echo Arena, Dowson said: "I was meant to be on loan there for six months, but Steve Staunton came in after about two months and didn't like me.

"I scored on the first day at Aldershot, I came on as a sub, so I was thinking then that it was going to be decent, but it went a bit downhill after that and we were struggling."

Durham return to the Northern League first division next season after informing the Football Association in March that they wanted to return due to financial reasons.

Dowson added: "I know Durham are in the same league now, but Darlington are ambitious and want to get back up.

"Durham were happy for me to leave because they could see I was going for a new challenge.

"I've spoken to the manager, Martin Gray, and he wants promotion, no matter what league we're in, even if the appeal doesn't work and we're in the Northern League next season.

"I'm of the same view as I him, I want to get back up the leagues as Darlington are a massive club for that level."

Gray's previous eight signings have been: Dan Smith, Adam Nicholls, Marc Ellison, Darren Richardson, Chris Emms, Danny Mellanby, Jamie Clarke and Shaun Reay.

Sean Gregan, 38, has joined as a coach, though he will also play if able to prove his fitness in pre-season following a serioues injury.