GARY BROWN is poised to return to Darlington as one of two new signings.

The defender left Quakers to join Shildon in the summer, but is on the verge of a return to the club which he skippered during two promotions in three seasons.

He signed a contract at Dean Street, so the two clubs must come to an agreement before Brown’s return to Heritage Park can be announced.

Also in line to join Darlington is striker Wilson Kneeshaw. His registration with Quakers was announced on the Evo-Stik Premier Division website on Saturday.

The Darlington-born forward came through the ranks at Middlesbrough and was on trial with Quakers in the summer.

While manager Martin Gray wanted to sign him, the player wished to take the opportunity to go on trial with clubs in the Football League and Conference.

Meanwhile, Darlington dropped a place to third on Saturday when their game with Buxton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, leaving Nantwich Town to leapfrog them thanks to a 4-0 win at struggling Stamford.

Quakers’ two matches this week are both cup fixtures, the first tomorrow evening at Blyth Spartans in the Integro Doodson first round.

Gray has a history of fielding weakened teams in the competition and will likely do so again at Croft Park, with a number of the teenagers who have been in the first-team squad in recent weeks given an opportunity.

On Saturday Darlington head to Sutton Coldfield Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

There is a fans’ forum on Wednesday at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, starting at 6.30pm. Gray and club director Dave Mills will be in attendance.