HARTLEPOOL United boss Chris Turner last night completed the signing of Mark Tinkler and said: "Now watch us go."

The 26-year-old midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Pool after Southend decided to let him go to cut back on their wage bill.

Turner had been trying to wrap up the move for two weeks and was delighted the deal had been finally done with former Leeds and York star Tinkler set to make his debut in tomorrow's third division trip to Scunthorpe United.

"It was on and then off and then back on again," admitted Turner. "But now it's been done I am delighted because Mark is exactly the type of player we have needed since I got here.

"He can put his foot in and will add bite to our midfield, but he can also play. He has played at the highest level and is experienced at this level too which is what you need.

"With Mark in the side and the injured players coming back in the next month, I believe we will start to pick things up again and get up that league table."

Turner said he spoke to former Pool player and ex-York and Southend boss Alan Little about Tinkler and was given a glowing appraisal.

"Alan had nothing but praise for him," said the Pool chief. "You have to ask about players and the reports I got said he will do well for us.

"He is only 26 and has a lot of football in front of him. I believe he will be a great addition to our squad and it is also down to the commitment of the owners IOR and the chairman Ken Hodcroft that we have got him.

"They have backed me and shown that they want this club to do well and hopefully we can."

Bishop Auckland-born Tinkler is relishing his return to his native North-East, but added: "I didn't want to leave Southend, but it was out of my hands.

"I am happy to be going to the North-East because I have got a little girl and family."

Southend boss Dave Webb said: "He's an excellent player, but doesn't fit into the new structure plan I'm putting in at Roots Hall."