Departed Chesterfield forward Akwasi Asnate has shocked fans by signing for National League North side Darlington on a free transfer, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 31-year-old was released by the National League leaders earlier this week but despite fans suggesting he could remain in the division, he has opted to drop down to the sixth tier in search of regular first-team minutes.
Asante had been with the Spireites since November 2020 and had been a part of some very positive moments during his time with the football club but opted for a new chapter which led to the mutual termination of his contract in the National League.
Unfortunately, the forward has yet to feature in a league match so far this season, with his last appearance arriving in early April during a 1-0 win for Chesterfield against Dagenham & Redbridge on route to the play-off final.
Asante is joining a National League North side that currently sits in the relegation zone after a very tough start to the season. The club have taken just 14 points from their opening 17 league matches in a run that has seen them win just three games all season and have the second-worst goal difference in the entire division with minus-18.
In a signing interview with the club’s YouTube channel, Asante told the media team that he chose Darlington over several sides because of his personal relationship with the manager following spells with both Grimsby Town and Kidderminster Harriers.
Writer’s View
Equally, I am just as surprised to see Asante drop to the National League North although I wasn’t aware of his footballing relationship with Darlington manager Josh Gowling.
He does need match fitness in order to bounce back following an injury lay-off but if the club are patient with him, I am very confident that he will find the goals to kick-start the club’s season.