Pools make Newton eighth summer signing
Running man Conor Newton ‘fits the bill’ perfectly as Craig Harrison continues to revamp Hartlepool United’s squad.
The 25-year-old became Pools’ eighth summer signing after penning a one-year deal. The former Newcastle United youngster has reams of experience from his time in the Championship with Rotherham, and Scottish Premier League with St Mirren.
Harrison is delighted to add him to his squad after Pools beat off competition from League One side Plymouth Argyle to secure Newton’s signature.
And he believes the midfielder’s style of play will be ideally suited to life in the National League.
“Conor will give us great competition in the centre of midfield,” said Harrison.
“First and foremost, he’s a good footballer but he’s also a very, very fit lad.
“He’s a box-to-box midfielder who will get beyond the front man. He’s energetic and very dynamic, and at six foot he’s also a good size.
“With the physical prowess he has, he will be able to compete on that level as well as with his running power.”
Newton played more than 60 games for League Two side Cambridge United during his two-year spell at the club, before leaving on a free transfer this summer.
He links up again with fellow Pools new boy Ryan Donaldson, with the pair having grown up together in Newcastle United’s Academy and also playing alongside each other for a season at Cambridge.
With Pools also signing another Newcastle-born player in Louis Laing, and Blair Adams, who hails from South Shields, Harrison is putting together a squad that has a strong local feel to it.
He added: “We want to get people into the area who want to be here, and Conor fits the bill.
“We want to build a squad moving forward that will identify with the area and help us succeed.”
Pools, who host Sunderland on Tuesday, are at Harrogate Town tomorrow.