Ryan Valentine is another one of Quakers younger players. He joined Darlington from Premiership Everton in the summer of 2002 to replace recently departed Paul Heckingbottom at left back. He impressed then boss Tommy Taylor in some pre-season games and was quickly offered a contract.

Besides Darlington Ryan has only ever been at one other club which was Premiership Everton. However he was released from them after never making a first team appearance.

His early games for Darlington were shaky but as he settled into the side his performances got better and better. Now fully settled he is an established first team regular who produces consistently good performances game in and game out. He has good pace and can get up and down the flanks well to support the midfield or get back to help out his defense. He also has a decent cross and if push came to shove he could certainly be used on left wing. Ryan can also perform in both left and right back positions and is equally comfortable in both.

He is certainly a more than capable defender who has gone onto become a firm favorite of Darlington fans. His forward movement is an attacking advantage and always gives Darlington options. Still a relative young player Valentine has an exciting future ahead of him at the club.

Ryan has also made several appearances in the Welsh under 21 set-up where he plays on left of midfield and by all accounts has impressed.