BRAD WALKER has signed for Crewe Alexandra.

The Hartlepool United midfielder is out of contract at Victoria Park and has opted to exit and join the League Two club on a two-year deal, which was revealed in The Northern Echo last Wednesday.

Walker made a huge impression in central midfield as a teenager when he broke into the side under Colin Cooper in 2013.

But since then he has failed to progress and it was only at the back end of last season when he switched to centre-half did he start to show his ability.

Walker was absent from pre-season training when Pools returned to Maiden Castle last week and, while boss Craig Harrison admitted he was keen to keep him, Walker has opted for a fresh start.

Pools will receive compensation for the Billingham-born 21-year-old who made 123 appearances for the club.