A graduate of Preston North End's youth academy, Darran Kempson was initially brought in on a one month loan from the Lilywhites after Morecambe found themselves short at the back due to the loss of Jim Bentley through injury and Chirs Blackburn through suspension.
He made his debut live on Sky at Brunton Park where the Shrimps played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Carlisle United. His performances were so impressive that his loan spell was extended and upon his release from Preston he signed on a permanent basis till the end of the 2004/2005 season.
Darran become a hugely popular figure at Christie Park and his performances at the back alongside Jim Bentley and Chris Blackburn were exceptional. He signed a one year contact for the 2005/2006 season but the form of Chris Blackburn of Jim Bentley saw him having to settle for a place on the substitutes bench for the run in to the playoffs.
He left the club in the Summer of 2006 to join Dario Gradi's Crewe Alexandra.
