QUAKERS PLAYER HUNT IS A HUGE SUCCESS
DARLINGTON boss Alun Armstrong reckons he’s landed a major coup in former Premier League ace Nicky Hunt.
The 36-year-old former Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City fullback has joined the Quakers on a year-long deal following his release from League Two Crewe Alexandra this summer.
“Nicky’s vast experience in the game is going to be invaluable for us,” Armstrong said. “He has played at a much higher level since 2001, and only last season was a regular in the Crewe Alexandra team that won promotion from League Two. He can play at full back or in the centre of defence.
“He is a very good organiser on the pitch, and will bring out the best in the players around him.”
Hunt made his debut for Bolton in the Premiership in 2001 and established himself as a regular in their side under manager Sam Allardyce making 161 appearances for the Trotters.
After loan spells at Birmingham and Derby, he moved to Bristol City in 2010, and then on to Preston, Rotherham, Accrington Stanley (where he played with Darlington players Will Hatfield and Michael Liddle), Mansfield, Leyton Orient, Notts County and Crewe, with whom he won promotion last season.
In total, he made 458 appearances in his career, scoring four times, including a memorable goal for Bolton against Liverpool in the Premiership. He has also gained ten caps for England Under 21s.
“Alun was one of the first managers I spoke to after I was released at the end of the season, and he made feel wanted,” Hunttold the club’s website.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into football having not played since March, and it will be great to catch up with Will [Hatfield] and Michael [Liddle], and the rest of the lads. Hopefully I can help get Darlington promoted.”