Rutledge has signed a two-year deal with Quakers ahead of the new National League North campaign, having briefly enjoyed a successful previous loan spell at Blackwell Meadows.
The 24-year-old made six appearances while on loan at Darlington in the 2023-24 season, scoring two goals, one of which was a crucial strike in a win over Farsley Celtic that helped Quakers secure their National League North survival.
Rutledge scored against Darlington last season as part of another loan spell, this time at Spennymoor Town, but will now form a major part of Watson’s new-look Quakers attack next term.
“I’m delighted to have Aidan here on a two-year contract,” said the Darlington boss, who is also hoping to sign Will McGowan from Gateshead on a season-long loan deal. “I believe he’s one of the best strikers at this level and is only just getting started.
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“His numbers per game stand up against anyone’s, and he can score all types of goals. Having helped us greatly when we stayed up, I’m sure our terrific fans will be just as pleased as myself and Terry (Mitchell) are to make Aidan a Darlo player.”
Rutledge began his career with Wearside League side Gateshead Leam Rangers before moving into the Northern League with Birtley Town, where he claimed a remarkable 61 goals in 43 appearances as he helped the Tyneside club to promotion into Division One.
In 2023, his form earned him a move to his hometown club, Gateshead, and he began the 2023-24 campaign by joining Scarborough Athletic on loan, scoring nine goals in 23 matches.
Gateshead recalled him and loaned him to Darlington, where his two goals in four starts and two substitute appearances helped Quakers scramble to safety.
He had two more loan moves from Gateshead last season, first at South Shields, and then at Spennymoor where he played an important role in the club’s run to the FA Trophy final. He was a substitute as Moors lost to Aldershot at Wembley.
He has now joined Darlington for an undisclosed fee, and will link up with left-back Josh Scott, who also joined Quakers on a permanent basis after leaving Scottish side Queen’s Park earlier this month.
