Bringing the experienced defender to the Calvert Stadium is quite a coup for manager Jason Newall, who has masterminded a full-scale rebuild of the Town squad.

Terry is best known for his eight years at Darlington, where he helped the Quakers win three promotions and also enjoyed a spell as captain.

He spent most of his time there at left-back but also featured in central defence, midfield and even on the left wing.

“Just don’t ask me how many appearances I made at Darlington because I can never remember,” smiles Terry. But we reckon it’s 303 – with an impressive haul of 56 goals into the bargain.

A resident of Gateshead, he faces a 100-mile round trip for every Northallerton home game.

“I don’t exactly live round the corner but after chatting to Jason, I made my mind up to come here and I’ve been impressed by the way the lads are fighting for each other,” he says. “Jason suggested I can bring my experience to the squad and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Terry, who spent last season at Whickham, enjoyed two spells at Dunston and describes playing in their FA Vase-winning side of 2012 at Wembley as the high point of his career.

Manager Jason says: “I want my team to have a very good core of experienced players and Terry ticks all those boxes.”

And the added bonus about joining Terry Northallerton? We play in black-and-white stripes, just like his beloved Newcastle United . . .