HARTLEPOOL United last night ended the long-running Jack Ross saga when the Scot finally left the club.

Ross returned to Pool last week after ending his spell on sick leave and both parties quickly came to an agreement to end his time at Victoria Park.

He moved to Pool last summer and in March this year returned to Scotland, refusing to return after being injured at Stockport in what proved to be his final outing in a blue and white shirt.

Ross wanted to be freed from his contract, which had a further 12 months plus an option for an extra year, to run but Pool refused and the player responded by going on sick leave.

After being married in the summer, Ross remained absent and Pool stood firm amid interest from Falkirk, refusing to end his contract until he returned to work. Last night, however, a settlement was reached.

A Pool statement read: "Effective July 31 2005, the club wishes to announce that after receiving suitable compensation and full refund of fees previously paid to Jack's agent, we have cancelled the registration of Jack Ross to allow him to live and play in Scotland.''

Ross is likely to join Falkirk in their SPL campaign which began at the weekend.

Pool's final pre-season friendly takes place tonight at Durham City, where Martin Scott will field a team made up of reserve and youth teamers.

* Defender David Woozley has left Oxford after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old endured an injury-ravaged campaign last season and struggled to establish himself.

* Rotherham are keen on taking 28-year-old Stockport County goalkeeper Neil Cutler to Millmoor. County chief Chris Turner said: ''Neil Cutler is having talks with Rotherham so something could be happening there."

Read more about Hartlepool here.