HARTLEPOOL United have confirmed the signing of two new players ahead of tomorrow's game with Newport County.

As reported by The Northern Echo on Thursday, midfielder Nicky Featherstone has agreed a short-term deal, and Dutch winger Sidney Schmeltz has also signed. 

Schmeltz, 25, was at Oldham Athletic when Pools boss Paul Murray was on the coaching staff and has been on trial at Victoria Park this week. He left Oldham for Shrewsbury and has been a free agent since February.

He has played in his home country for Willelm II, Almere City, Sparta Rotterham and SC Veendam. 

Featherstone has played for Hull, Hereford and Walsall and signed a short-term deal with Scunthorpe at the start of this season, before leaving and turning out for Harrogate Town. 

Both players are likely to be involved in Saturday's meeting with Newport County, Murray's first home game since taking charge.