Spennymoor have pulled off a coup by signing central defender Joe Tait from Darlington.

Tait, who starred in Quakers’ Northern League title win in season in 2012-13, joined Gateshead last summer, but returned to Heritage Park on loan for the rest of the season in January.

He has now signed a contract at the Brewery Field that will take him up to the end of the 2015-16 season, and brings the number of summer signings at the Brewery Field to six.

Manager Jason Ainsley said; “To bring a player of Joe’s calibre to Spennymoor Town on a two year contract speaks volumes of the progression we have made under the chairmanship of Brad Groves.

“Centre half was a position we have been looking at for a long time and we are delighted to have Joe on board. He has played at higher levels throughout his career and will be a massive presence both on and off the pitch, he is a natural leader and has impressed me whenever I have watched him play for Darlington and we wish him every success with us.”

Tait, who has played in MLS after starting his career at Hartlepool added; The enthusiasm and professionalism I got from the manager and the chairman made it a no brainier. This is where I want to play my football and I can't wait to get started and pay back the backing and support I’ve received from everyone at the club!”