Julian Joachim speaks to the Quaker matchday magazine. This article was originally printed in the Darlington v Stockport programme on October 14th.

Following an excellent start to the season it is inconceivable to think that Julian Joachim could have departed the club during the summer. The forward was thought to be heading for the exit door ahead of pre-season and although never officially transfer listed by Quakers manager Dave Penney was willing to listen to offers. Family reasons were cited as the reason why Joachim wanted to depart the North East.

Lincoln City were thought to be interested but those issues which appeared to signal the end of Joachim's time with Quakers have been sorted and the forward is happy with life and, most importantly for Darlington Football Club, he is enjoying his football. Chairman George Houghton bought an end to any lingering speculation saying he would not let the player go and Joachim has repaid the faith shown in him with some exciting performances.

"It was nothing against the club. It was just family reasons but those have been resolved, things have been worked out so I am still here. The club is a great place and it has a great set of lads. It was never because I wanted to leave it was just the way things were at the time but I am still here and I'm lucky enough to be playing," said Joachim. "That other side of your life is so important. Sometimes things aren't always great in life and you have to sacrifice things but luckily enough it has worked out the right way for me."

Joachim arrived at the club last season from Boston United - ironically having played a significant part in his old side beating his future employers in his final game at York Street. Darlington handed over £100,000 for the services of the former Leicester City player but it has been a switch to the right flank which has allowed Joachim to show his best form yet in a black and white shirt.

The move to the right wing has allowed Joachim to utilise his staggering pace and run at defenders and he has shone. A goal against Wrexham on the opening day has been followed by two notable assists against Rotherham and another against Peterborough United. Joachim is no stranger to the right flank having been deployed there during his time at Aston Villa and while his creativity has not gone unnoticed neither has his tremendous work rate.

"It is part of my job being on the wing. You have to get up and down as often as you can. I'm not getting any younger but my legs are still pretty good. My fitness is pretty good as well but most of all I am enjoying it out there at the moment. It is a bit different from being up front but wherever I am asked to do a job I'll try and do it," said the thirty-two year old.

"I am getting a little more success down the wing and being faced up to goal does help you. It means you can always be on the front foot. I am enjoying it out there and that's what it is all about, enjoying your football and results have been decent which always helps. I've done a bit down right midfield, especially in my younger days. I know what it is about but most of all I'm enjoying it."

"I've always looked after myself fitness wise. I try to do the right things and prepare correctly for games and I have to because I want to go on playing for as long as I can whilst I am enjoying it. That's the most important thing, especially at this late stage of your career. Football is like any kind of work. You have got to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it then what is the point? At the moment things are good for me," continued Joachim.

Kevin Luff