Hartlepool have signed 21-year old Peter Hartley.

Hartley has agreed to join his home-town club after turning down a new deal at the Stadium of Light.

The centre-back graduated from the Black Cats academy and made his debut during the Championship winning season in January 2007.

He went out on loan to Chesterfield where he played 12 games between February and May 2008.

Hartley becomes director of sport Chris Turner's third summer signing following the earlier arrivals of Adam Boyd and Leon McSweeney from Leyton Orient and Stockport respectively and Turner is hungry for more.

"Things are progressing, but they are just a bit frustrating," Turner told the Hartlepool Mail.

"It is all about getting everything together with players and agents, but we will have everyone in by July 1.

"I am trying to change the squad as much as we can within the financial situation.

"The more fresh faces the better for the squad and I think supporters want to see new players as well."





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