RITCHIE Humphreys, Hartlepool United's player of the century, has again linked up with Chris Turner after signing for Chesterfield.

Turner, now chief executive at the Proact Stadium, signed Humphreys for Pools back in 2001 and the pair were reunited yesterday.

Humphreys was released by Pools this summer and has played two pre-season friendlies for Paul Cook's side before signing a one-year deal yesterday.

The club's all-time appearance record holder last night penned a personal thank-you letter to supporters and officals of his former club, printed below, in which he reflected on his time at the club.

"It's a fresh challenge,'' said Sheffield-based Humphreys. "I played under Chris at Hartlepool and the idea was at first to come in and get some training under my belt, rather than training on my own.

"You can do as much as you want on your own, but in a team environment you can push each other and then something came from it.

"I've been at Hartlepool for 12 years and I wish them every success, I had a fantastic 12 years, I lived there for a good proportion, I've a lot of connections there.

"It's been a big part of my life and if you move on, I'm, still hungry for success and first-team football. I might be 35 but I appreciate what a fantastic job being a professional footballer is.''

He made a record 542 appearances for Pools and played for the club at Chesterfield last season, when they were thumped 6-1 in the FA Cup first round.

"The last few years, I've played a lot of games in central midfield, but I've been used as a front man, on either flank, at left-back,'' he added. "In this division, the last time I played in it, I was promoted playing left-back.''

Pools play their first English pre-season game under new boss Colin Cooper tomorrow night (7pm kick-off) when they go to Whitby Town, managed by former Pools defender Darren Williams and include ex-Pools left-back Mark Robinson in their ranks. Admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions.

Ritchie Humphreys' thank-you letter to Hartlepool United and the supporters

To everybody connected with Hartlepool United ... where do I start?

I never imagined when I signed in the summer of 2001, that we would gain two automatic promotions, be involved in three play-off semi-finals and one play-off final which saw us on the brink of the Championship. Two relegations have been our lowest moments, but we came back stronger last time and I'm sure we will again.

Becoming the club's all-time appearance record holder with 542 is an honour that I will cherish, walking out onto the pitch with my daughter in my arms my family and friends in the stands at Victoria Park chanting my name prior to my testimonial match was incredible and I will always be so grateful to all you Poolies.

Three player of the year awards, player of the decade and player of the century all awarded to me by the fans are a special memory and have pride of place in our home.

Being selected in the PFA divisional team of the year twice is a massive personal honour as it's voted for by my peers.

I wish nothing but success for Hartlepool United. The last 12 years have been a special time in my life and, although I was raised as a Sheffield United fan, myself and my family were welcomed so kindly by all you Poolies that Hartlepool United will always be part of all of our lives.

It has been no secret that I believe in players getting re-educated whilst they are still playing, as you never know when your career will finish.

Therefore I have been getting fully qualified as a UEFA A licensed coach as well as attending and passing an applied management course at Warwick University.

Although it's my intention to carry on playing for as long as possible I do hope to one day try my hand at coaching and management. I'd love the opportunity to pass on my experience when the time is right .

So to my former team-mates ex-managers, coaches, physios and ground staff, to the chief exec Russ Green and the chairman Ken Hodcroft, the owners IOR and our brilliant fans .... I thank you all for such wonderful memories, nothing lasts forever but for me Hartlepool United will always have a special place in my heart.

Good luck for next season and beyond.

Ritchie x