ANDREW DAVIES, the experienced former Middlesbrough centre-half, has signed for Hartlepool United.

Davies, 33, has left Ross County, where he was captain, to return to the North-East. He has long been a main summer transfer target for Pools boss Matthew Bates.

Pools have also signed striker Niko Muir from Hendon and defender Myles Anderson.

Davies’ brother Mark has also recently signed for Hartlepool – the town’s cricket club in the NYSD league.

Bates admitted: “It’s something I have had in the back of my mind since getting the job really; I’ve played with Andrew at Boro and Bradford so know what quality he has and I know that’s he a leader for the dressing room too.

“For this level it’s a great signing for us.''

A statement from Ross County read: “Ross County Football Club have mutually agreed to terminate the contract of Andrew Davies with immediate effect due to personal and family reasons and his desire to return to England.

“Ross County would like to thank Andrew for his outstanding contribution to the Club as player and club captain. In that role, he will always be remembered for lifting Ross County's first piece of major sliverware.’’