The 26-year-old has signed a short-term contract after spending several weeks on trial with Accrington, three months after being released by Wigan Athletic.

Darcy began his career in Bolton Wanderers’ youth system. He made 35 appearances for Bolton, including eight during the 2020/21 season, when the club won promotion to the third tier under Ian Evatt.

After ten years at Bolton, Darcy joined Swindon on a two-year deal as Scott Lindsey took over.

Darcy made his Swindon debut as a half-time substitute against Salford during the second game of the season. His first start came against Rochdale on August 20, when Town won 3-0.

The midfielder scored his first Swindon goal away at Grimsby. He finished from inside the box after Ben Gladwin had cut the ball back.

Darcy made 20 league starts for Swindon and appeared from the bench 23 times. His substitute appearances matched Tyrese Shade’s total for the season and became the joint-highest number recorded by a player in one league campaign in Town’s history.

The midfielder was not fancied by Michael Flynn when he took over, and was swiftly moved on a year after he joined Town.

This would see him join Crawley for an undisclosed fee and work again with Lindsey. Crawley won promotion through the play-offs in 2023/24, with Darcy playing in an attacking midfield role.

The new Accrington signing said he had been training with the club for several weeks before completing the move.

Darcy said: "I have been on trial for a few weeks, it's been really good, and the lads have been unbelievable with me.

"It's a situation I have never been in before, being on trial and not having games at weekends, so to finally be back in that environment, I am eager to be back out there.

"It's a good feeling to sign a contract, and I just want to kick on now.

"I have got a few promotions under my belt, I am attack-minded, and I will work hard. I am at my best when I am playing week in, week out."

Darcy joins an Accrington team who have made a solid start to the season, and are level on points with Swindon in the large pack of teams who will feel as though they are in the playoff hunt.

He could partner Aidan Borland in midfield, who was with Swindon on loan last season.