Darlington defender Neil Austin has signed for Hartlepool United.

The right-back becomes Chris Turner's fourth summer recruit and is the first player to move from Quakers to Victoria Park since Turner signed Neil Aspin on a short-term deal in 2001.

Turner has also signed Adam Boyd, Leon McSweeney and Peter Hartley in recent weeks.

Austin becomes the second player to exit The Northern Echo Darlington Arena this week after Alan White moved to Luton Town and the sixth to depart since the season ended and the club remains in administration.

Rob Purdie (Oldham), Ricky Ravenhill (Notts County), Ryan Valentine (Hereford) and Jason Kennedy (Rochdale) have all joined new clubs.

His arrival at Pools solves the problem at right-back after midfielders Antony Sweeney and Gary Liddle were used there last season.

Turner is expected to shortly complete the signing of a full-back on the opposite flank, with Stockport's Michael Rose in sight.