Gary has had two spells with the club. He was one of Martin Gray’s original signings in the summer of 2012 from Durham City after we had been forcibly demoted to the Northern League, and in his first season led us to the Northern League title and promotion to the EvoStik League.

[caption id="attachment_42526" align="alignnone" width="200"] Gary lifts the Northern League trophy[/caption]

Two seasons later, he was captain again when we won promotion from the EvoStik First Division North through the play offs.

[caption id="attachment_42527" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gary lifts the EvoStik play off winners' trophy[/caption]

He then had a brief three month spell with Shildon at the start of season 2015-16, but then admitted that he had missed the club and returned in November 2015. He was then a regular in the team that won the EvoStik League in memorable style that season, which meant that he had won three promotions with the club.

Gary played in the centre of defence and at right back, and even once played in goal at Lancaster City after Peter Jameson had been sent off. His whole-hearted  commitment has been without question and made him a firm favourite.

[caption id="attachment_42528" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gary in goal at Lancaster, and going up for a last minute corner[/caption]

Gary also had a spell as caretaker manager for three matches alongside Phil Turnbull following the departure of Martin Gray, winning one and drawing one.

[caption id="attachment_42530" align="alignnone" width="240"] Gary Brown and Phil Turnbull embrace[/caption]

In total, he made 186 appearances for us, scoring 19 goals – his last was in the 1-1 draw against Spennymoor in August -- but he will also be remembered for some amazing goalline clearances at the other end.

[caption id="attachment_42529" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gary celebrates after scoring against Spennymoor[/caption]

Everyone at Darlington FC has special memories of Gary, and we would like to wish him all the best in his future career.

We expect all the necessary paperwork to completed early next week.