FREED Craig Midlgey is determined to prove his worth after moving to Halifax.

Front-runner Midgley was one of nine players freed by Pool boss Chris Turner at the end of last season - and the first to find a new club when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal at The Shay last week.

And the former Bradford man admitted: "It's fair to say I was surprised when Hartlepool said they were going to release me.

"I thought I had a good season last time and I was happy at the club.

"Paul Bracewell came in for me and I just jumped at the chance. I realise that getting released is part and parcel of football, but to get another club so quickly is terrific.

"Halifax are assembling a team which shows plenty of promise and I am looking forward to the challenge.''

Pool and Darlington have been linked with a move for midfielder Jon Cullen. The former Pool man is currently at Peterborough and it emerged that the rivals are in the chase for his signature after talks with Carlisle broke down.

He spent the closing weeks of the season on loan at Brunton Park and is available for transfer, with Barry Fry believed to be looking for a fee around £50,000.

Turner has twice previously turned down the chance to take Cullen back to Victoria Park.

Cullen was turned into a £250,000 goalscoring midfielder at Pool after Mick Tait - now assistant manager at Feethams - signed him from Morpeth. However, with the signing of Neil Maddison and the return to fitness of Martin Gray and Mark Ford, Quakers are well stocked in that department.

Cullen, who moved to Sheffield United from Pool for £250,000 in February 1998, was part of the Peterborough side that beat Quakers in the play-off final at Wembley last year.

Norwegian John Arne Riise has signed a five-year contract with Liverpool after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical. Liverpool have yet to agree a fee with Monaco.

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