Blue Square Premier club Gateshead have clinched the signing of Darlington central defender Rikki Bains on loan until the end of the season with the view to a permanent deal.
Bains, 22 next month, has recently had a successful loan spell at Blue Square North side Blyth Spartans having last played for Darlington in September.
Bains came through the ranks at home-town club Coventry City and reached reserve level before he was released in 2006.
He made a handful of appearances in League Two for Accrington Stanley the following season and played the second half of the following campaign in the Conference National with Tamworth.
Bains stayed at The Lamb despite the club's relegation to the Conference North before he linked up with Corby Town where he made twenty appearances.
A return to the professional game followed but his stay at Macclesfield Town was a brief one and he was snapped up by Darlington in the summer.
Bains played four games for Darlington early in the season but has found his opportunities with the struggling Quakers restricted since then.
The midlander is manager Ian Bogie's second signing during the transfer window with more expected during the two remaining weeks.
"Rikki Bains is a player we have had watched during his time at Blyth, where he is well thought of, and I have received good reports," said Bogie.
"Although still young he has had experience at three Football League clubs and we are providing him with an opportunity that I hope he will grasp."
Bains is delighted to be given the chance to play the second half of the season at Gateshead and is keen to make an impression.
"It didn't work out for me at Darlington. I was in the side early on and involved in the squad but a new manager came in and I have been out of favour ever since.
"Joining Gateshead is a great opportunity for me. It is a good club going in the right direction and hopefully it will go well for me and I can secure a permanent move.
"I enjoyed my time at Blyth Spartans where I played seven games but I believe I have the ability to play at a higher level than the Blue Square North."
Bains' will make his debut at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday but his home debut will be put on ice as he is unable to play in the FA Trophy having already featured in the competition for Blyth Spartans.
Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams, meanwhile, has signed for Gateshead until the end of the season having originally signed until the New Year.
