Not even Jacob Hazel’s fantastic return of 21 goals & 11 assists was enough to fire the Quakers to a play-off place in 22/23.

The Bradford-born frontman requires support that has sorely been lacking since Mark Beck departed in January.

With Jacob Blyth & Declan Howe returning to their respective clubs following their loan spells, the Quakers are once again on the look-out for one, possibly two, centre-forwards this summer.

The below will review which players the Quakers could conceivably attempt to sign over the coming weeks to bolster their ranks. These players have been identified based on their ability, affordability, location and full/part-time status in order to give a realistic outlook.

Option 1: Frank Mulhern (Farsley Celtic):

On a windy evening in March, Frank Mulhern bullied a Darlington defence at the Citadel as Farsley ran out 3-1 winners.

The 26-year old Irishman, born in South Elmsall, scored 11 goals in 42 appearances in a Farsley Celtic side that narrowly avoided relegation to the Northern Premier League.

Mulhern has previously represented Spennymoor Town, Boston United, Stockport County, Bradford Park Avenue & Alfreton in the National League North.

Mulhern is out of contract this summer and won’t be short of suitors given his impressive goal-scoring record in a struggling Farsley side. It would be surprising if Alun Armstrong is not interested in securing Mulhern’s signature this summer.

Option 2: Aaron Martin (Gateshead FC):

Darlington were rumoured to be interested in signing Aaron Martin earlier this year to replace Mark Beck.

The Sheffield-born centre-forward has struggled from game-time with Gateshead this season, playing just 1,271 minutes out of a possible 4,860, scoring 2 goals.

Martin also struggled for minutes during the 21/22 season, only accruing 646 minutes with Harrogate Town & Halifax Town in the EFL & National League respectively.

The 31-year old secured a move to Harrogate Town after impressing with Guiseley in the NLN during the 19/20 season, where he scored 17 goals in just 1,695 minutes of football, which is an impressive 0.90 goals p90.

Martin remains under contract at Gateshead for the 23/24 season, so any possibility of Martin signing for the Quakers would likely be a loan deal which, given his limited opportunities at Gateshead and assumed preference to play football in the latter years of his career, could be a viable option this summer for all parties.

Option 3: Lewis Knight (Gateshead FC):

Lewis Knight has struggled to adapt to the full-time game since bursting on to the scene for Bradford Park Avenue during the 19/20 & 20/21 seasons.

It was during these years that the 24-year old scored 16 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions, earning a move to Notts County for an undisclosed fee in March 2021.

Since then, Knight has struggled for game time, playing just 400 minutes for Notts County in total before being loaned back to Bradford Park Avenue, where he scored a further 5 goals in 20 appearances.

Knight signed for Gateshead in summer 2022 for a nominal fee, however much like his time at Notts County, he has struggled for minutes out on the pitch.

Knight is contracted to the Tynesiders for 23/24, meaning any move would likely be a loan deal. Gateshead may be keen to see their centre-forward get some game-time under his belt at NLN level, before deciding what to do next.

Option 4: Will Harris (Gateshead FC):

Will Harris is out of contract at Gateshead this summer.

The 6’1 centre-forward is another that has struggled with game-time at the Heed this season, playing just 1,021 minutes out of a possible 4,860, scoring 4 goals.

Given Harris’ age (22), potential to develop as a footballer & modestly impressive goal-scoring record per 90 minutes, it remains doubtful that Gateshead would opt against offering the South Shields born forward a new contract for the 23/24 season.

However, should Harris wish to secure more game-time & attempt to fulfil his potential as a young centre-forward, then he only needs to look at the development of Luke Charman as an example of another centre-forward that has realised their potential at the Quakers & secured a move in to the EFL.

Option 5: Cedric Main (Blyth Spartans):

Cedric Main does not need much introduction to Darlington fans.

The 25-year old caused the Quakers’ defence problems with his pace & strength both at Blackwell Meadows in September & at Croft Park in April (only to be thwarted by two fine Tommy Taylor saves).

In his debut season at National League North level with Blyth Spartans, Main recorded a modest goal-scoring record of 0.18 p90. However, Main was part of a poor Blyth side that only just narrowly avoided relegation by 1 point & was part of a Spartans side that scored the 5th fewest goals in 22/23.

Option 6: Bradley Fewster (Whitby Town):

Bradley Fewster originally played for Alun Armstrong at Blyth Spartans during the 18/19 season, where he scored 3 goals in 434 minutes of football.

The then 23-year old struggled for game-time in Northumberland due to being behind Dan Maguire in the pecking order as the lone centre-forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, since then, Fewster has made 91 appearances for Whitby Town, scoring 32 goals as they have secured – on average – mid-table finishes in the Northern Premier League.

Crucially, Fewster linked up with Jacob Hazel during the 21/22 season at Whitby, where 33 league goals were shared between them.

The 27-year old is out of contract at Whitby this summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Darlington attempt to carry out another raid on Whitby this summer.

Or should we leave that to the real Vikings of Darlington……