South Shields complete signing of former Hartlepool and Gateshead full-back
South Shields have signed former Hartlepool United and Gateshead left-back Darren Holden.
Holden was most recently with Jarrow Roofing, who he joined late last month.
The 23-year-old, who can also play further up the left flank, was born in Krugersdorp, South Africa, before moving to England at a young age.
He progressed through Hartlepool's academy, and eventually became a first-team regular at Victoria Park, making over 60 Football League appearances for the club, having made his debut aged 17 and turned professional in 2012.
In 2015, Holden left Pools and signed for Scottish Premier League outfit Ross County, before joining Gateshead this February.
He made seven National League appearances in what remained of last season, before linking up with Roofing for a short time after becoming unattached.
Known as an attack-minded full-back with plenty of pace, Holden also possesses an impressively long throw.
He said: "I'm happy that the deal is done and am really looking forward to getting started.
"I've spoken to the management and they told me the club is going places, so that's what I want to be a part of.
"Hopefully I can be involved and help the club along with that challenge.
"I read about how well the club did last season and how well it has been doing this season as well.
"The gates they're getting just show the way the club is going, which is the right direction, and I'm delighted to be involved now."
Holden is eligible to play in all but the League Cup for the Mariners this season, and is available to make his debut in Saturday's Northern League Division One match with Dunston UTS at Mariners Park.