DARRELL Clarke yesterday put pen to paper on the contract he craved at Hartlepool United - and promptly warned his team-mates there is no room for slackers next season.

After suffering relegation to League Two last season, midfielder Clarke admits he feared for his future.

Out of contract, and with the club managerless, Clarke questioned if his five-year stint with the club was coming to an end.

But the midfielder's fears were ended yesterday when he signed a new deal. He hopes two seasons of injury troubles are in the past and said: "I take pride in my football. It is my life but I want to be playing and I want to be doing well for this club.

"Anybody giving less than 100 per cent doesn't deserve to have the shirt and I will always give everything - I think everyone in Hartlepool knows that."

Pool are still in the process of selecting their new manager, with an announcement likely in the coming seven days.

Director of Sport Chris Turner signed Clarke from Mansfield for £75,000 in 2001 and the former Pool boss is an integral part of the selection process at Victoria Park.

Clarke added on the official website: "We had a big squad last season and on a personal note it was disappointing for me and the club.

"But we're all looking forward to next season and I'm looking to try and cement my place in the squad.''

And, while Shelton Martis has yet to agree the two-year contract offered at the end of the season, the Dutchman is expected to be with the club next season.