FORMER Feethams favourite Marco Gabbiadini stunned Darlington last night by signing for arch rivals Hartlepool United.

Darlington chairman George Reynolds called the move "a dirty trick" because Gabbiadini, 35, had been training with the Quakers all week with a view to re-joining them.

He had a prolific two years at Feethams from 1998 to 2000 which culminated in the Wembley play-off final. Only two months ago, Darlington supporters voted Gabbiadini the greatest player in the club's history.

He trained with the Quakers in Durham City yesterday morning before disappearing for talks with Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper in the afternoon.