Pools boss happy to sign Kerr from Heed

Hartlepool United have completed the signing of Gateshead’s Fraser Kerr for an undisclosed fee – and manager Craig Hignett admits he’s delighted to land his man ahead of schedule.

Pools brought forward their plans to land the former Scotland under-21 international, who was expected to arrive in the summer.

And Hignett is happy to get a centre-half over the line before the weekend trip to Sutton United, with Pools facing a defensive crisis.

“We have a list of targets that we have been working on for next season,” Hignett told Pools’ website.

“Fraser was one of the names at the top of that list so I am delighted we’ve been able to do a deal to bring him in before the summer.

“He’s had an excellent season at Gateshead and played a lot of games so he was someone we were keen to bring here and we’re thrilled he’s decided to join us.”

Kerr was at the top of manager Craig Hignett’s close season wishlist, which is also thought to include Jon Mellish, but circumstances at the Super 6 Stadium and International Stadium led to the deal being accelerated.

Pools are down to the bare bones at the back in terms of options, with availability very limited.

Carl Magnay has been ruled out for at least four weeks, while a seasonending Achilles injury saw Michael Raynes sent back to Crewe Alexandra.

Add to that Peter Kioso will be serving the first of a two-game ban this weekend and it’s easy to see why Hignett & Co were so keen to get another defender through the door.

At the other end of the possible deal, financial problems and off-field turmoil is a constant backdrop at play-off chasing Heed.

Earlier this season they lost manager Steve Watson to National League North York City.

They have seen three of their best players – including Luke Molyneux – depart, rumours about the future direction of the club are rife and the league have placed Ben Clark’s men under an indefinite transfer embargo.