McGowan had two loan spells with Darlington last season, with the first starting last September and seeing the midfielder make 11 appearances before he was recalled by Gateshead.
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He rejoined Steve Watson’s side in March, making a total of 17 appearances across both spells, scoring four goals.
“We’ve been trying to find a way to get Will back in a Darlo shirt and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it,” said Watson.
“He’s a very good footballer, goalscorer, creator, looks after the ball well and works hard for the team.”
Darlington continue to pursue transfer targets ahead of the start of the National League North season, with Watson revealing that the acquisition of a new goalkeeper is next on his hit-list.
“I feel the squad is really coming together,” he said. “We hope to have a goalkeeper secured this week, again something we’ve been working very hard on.”
