Source: Northern_Echo
Mulligan aims to follow Kightly
NEW Darlington signing Nathan Mulligan is using another former non-league player as his inspiration. The winger made his debut as a substitute at the weekend just days after leaving Norton & Stockton Ancients of the Northern League. The transfer represented a move through five divisions for the former Middlesbrough youngster who points to the success Wolves winger Michael Kightly has enjoyed since leaving Grays Athletic three years ago. I definitely look to the players like Michael Kightly and how they have bounced back, said Mulligan. Hes come out of a nonleague team. Hes flying and he plays in my position! Its great feeling to have signed for Darlington, its the best job in the world and I am very excited. I have seen my name on the Sky Sports News ticker. Hopefully it will happen again. Mulligan, who has been working as a PE teacher, was released by Middlesbrough three years ago. He added: It seems liked your dream is over. But I just love playing football and you never know who he is watching you. I wish everyone at Ancients all the best. My brother Dale plays for them and my dad is the chairman so I will be down to watch them as often as I can. Norton manager Conrad Hillerby is pleased to see the 23-year-old handed a chance at The Northern Echo Arena where he has signed until the end of the season. The move is particular achievement as Mulligan was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to drop out of the game for a year while with Boro. We were delighted for Nathan, it couldnt have happened to a nicer lad, said Hillerby. Hes worked so hard to rebuild his game after his illness. He is in great shape now. Having leukemia kod him for two years but since he joined us hes been superb. His departure leaves a gap but Id never hold back a lad from fulfilling his dream. Its great to see a league club give a Northern League player a chance. Hillerby added: Steve (Staunton) came to our game in midweek and its nice to meet a genuine football man. The fact that hed come to watch a Northern League game after only being in the North-East for a few weeks speaks volumes for the man. Mulligan, however, is unable to play in Saturdays FA Cup tie at Barnet as he is cuptied.