QUAKERS SIGN BROUGH

Originally published: 5th July 2010

Mark Cooper has today made his first signing as Darlington manager, with versatile midfielder Michael Brough signing a one-year deal at the Northern Echo Arena.

The 28-year-old, who can play in centre midfield and in defence, spent the second half of last season with the Stags in the Blue Square Premier after signing for them permanently in January.

Brough has also played for a number of other non-league clubs such as Stevenage Borough, Salisbury City and Forest Green Rovers.

The Nottingham-born midfielder began his career as a trainee with Notts County, turning professional in August 1998. In December 1999 he joined Spalding United on loan before returning to Meadow Lane.

He fell out of favour at County and was released in March 2004, joining Stevenage Borough before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in January 2006.

He was made captain at Forest Green, under the management of his former Notts County teammate Gary Owers, but left in May 2008 to join Paul Buckle’s Torquay United.

Brough couldn’t establish himself at United and left to join Salisbury City on loan in February 2009. He then had a loan spell with Mansfield last season before signing for them permanently in January.

Although born in England, Brough has represented Wales at Under-21 level.

MICHAEL BROUGH

Born: Nottingham, 1.8.81 (28)

Position: Defence/midfield

Height: 6ft

Career record Apps Goals

Notts County (1998-2004) 103 2

Spalding Utd, loan (1999-2000) NA NA

Stevenage Borough (2004-06) 42 3

Forest Green Rovers (2006-08) 87 6

Torquay Utd (2008-10) 5 0

Salisbury City, loan (2009) 13 0