Former Newcastle United academy defender joins National League North club Darlington

Former Newcastle United Under-21s captain Ciaran Thompson will kickstart his senior career working under Steve Watson at National League North club Darlington.

The 21-year-old defender has been on trial with the Quakers in recent weeks and appeared in their pre-season friendly win against Middlesbrough Under-21s on Friday night just hours after agreeing to become Watson’s latest summer signing. Thompson has been part of the Magpies academy for just under a decade and was a regular in the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s sides in recent seasons - but his time with his boyhood club came to a close when his contract came to an end earlier this summer.

Thompson had interest from a number of National League and National League North clubs - and it was Darlington that have secured his services after he impressed former Magpies star Watson and assistant manager Terry Mitchell over the last fortnight. He is not the only former United academy product in the Quakers squad after they secured the services of midfielder Ellis Stanton last summer and landed versatile forward Dylan Stephenson earlier this month. Paddy McLaughlin, a former Magpies academy team-mate of Paul Dummett and James Tavernier, is one of the most experienced members of Watson’s ranks.

Speaking after completing a deal for the defender, Mitchell told the club website: “We’re really delighted to get Ciaran on board. He’ll really add to our quality and has great versatility. He can play anywhere across the back four, at wing back, and can also drop in to a deep midfield role if needed.

"As soon as we spoke to him, he was willing to come in; he’s mixed with the group really well and has performed well in the games to date. As soon as we offered something, he was delighted to come in even though he had some options at a higher level. He’s had some great grounding at Newcastle, and we’re delighted to have him with us.”

Thompson could make his competitive debut for Darlington when they host National League North rivals Worksop Town on Saturday, August 8.

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