ROCK-BOTTOM Swindon have signed two-time Russian champion Sergey Darkin as they aim to resolve their reserve conundrum.

New averages come into effect on Monday which mean Cory Gathercole switches to number six, which barring Darkin’s signing, would have left Swindon with the option to select either Kenny Ingalls or a guest at seven.

So the 38-year-old veteran, who nearly died following an horrific crash in 2005, has been brought in, a decision likely to disappoint youngster Ingalls.

But Patchett has reassured the American that he will get more outings in 2011 and remains an integral part of the Blunsdon side’s future plans.

“We want to maximise our options, we need to make sure we’re as strong as possible in that position,” said Patchett.

“That doesn’t mean we’re not going to be using Kenny, we’re committed to giving him rides before the end of the season. He’s an asset of ours and he’s got a bright future.

“We’ve said we will give him as many opportunities as we can, there will be times when Cory won’t be available and we’ll have to choose between Kenny and Justin (Sedgmen).”

Darkin, who has ridden in five World Cups for his country, has competed sporadically in domestic competition in England over the years.

He signed for Eastbourne in 2001 and subsequently turned out for Coventry (2004), Lakeside (2005) and Poole (2007).

After joining Premier League Leicester this winter, Darkin began the season well but was axed earlier this month after gaining just one point from three rides in a meeting at Glasgow.

The big flashpoint of his career came in 2005, when he was involved in a serious pile-up with Eduard Shaikhullin, Grzegorz Dzik and Andrey Karpov in the European Club Team Champions Cup at Togliatti, Russia.

Darkin sustained major head injuries in addition to six broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, and was on a life support machine for more than a week. Amazingly, he was back on a bike just eight months later.