HARTLEPOOL UNITED have signed experienced midfielder Jack Hunter following his release from National League rivals Halifax Town.

The 26-year-old will join Pools at the end of the month as a free agent, and becomes the club’s second signing of the summer following Luke Charman.

Hailing from the North-East, and a product of Newcastle United’s academy, Hunter was part of the Gateshead side that lifted the National League North title in 2022.

He then moved to Halifax, and made more than 100 National League appearances during his two-year stay with the Shaymen, a number of which saw him line-up alongside current Pools striker Mani Dieseruvwe.

“I’m thrilled to be here at the club,” said Hunter. “It’s been in the works for quite a while. From my first conversation with the gaffer, his ambition of where he wants to take the club and how he wants to use me was a massive factor in coming here.

“I’ve matured a lot over the last few years and I’m excited to contribute with that experience from my time at Gateshead and Halifax. I’ve played at the Suit Direct Stadium twice before and it’s a fantastic place to play football, the atmosphere can make a huge difference. I’m really looking forward to being back in the North-East and getting started here.”

New Pools boss Darren Sarll is starting to get his new-look squad together, with Hunter’s arrival following hot on the heels of Charman’s signing, which was confirmed earlier this week.

“We met Jack some time ago,” said Sarll. “Right away, you could feel his humility and the real energy to want to play for Hartlepool United. His profile fitted into how I want this new midfield to look and during the research phase for Jack, I couldn’t help but be impressed by his recent seasons at Halifax, in particular last year where they finished above us and in the play-offs.

“His unassuming performances are key to creating winning environments, and it reflects his personality in the sacrificial way he plays for his teams. And Jack is another player from the North-East, and his desire to be back in the region was key to his decision of selecting us over other competitors.

“Going back to the time we met him, those values stood out right away, that this was a player that not only wanted to win, but also wanted to improve and become better. I’m excited to work with Jack this season and hopefully he can help the club win some valuable points.”