LOUIS LAING has become Hartlepool United’s seventh summer signing, the defender becoming the latest addition to Craig Harrison’s remodelled squad.

The move represents a return to the North-East for the 24-year-old centre-back, who was with Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of last season.

He came through the ranks at Sunderland, making one senior appearance, before joining Nottingham Forest in 2014 and then Motherwell a year later.

Last season Laing joined Notts County on loan, scoring in a 2-1 win at Hartlepool, before joining Inverness on a short-term deal in February.

Laing was not the only new face at Victoria Park yesterday, as Harrison also appointed Paul Jenkins as the club’s new assistant manager.

He arrives having left Middlesbrough where he worked in the academy for 23 years before assisting Steve Agnew at first team level for the closing stages of last season.

“I’ve known Jenks for a long time because he was at Middlesbrough when I was there 20 years ago so there is already a strong bond and friendship between us,” Harrison said.

“We’ve known each other a long time which is important but just as crucial is to have a young and dynamic team because energy and enthusiasm will play a huge part and we have that in all members of our staff.

“The quality he has and the delivery on the pitch as well as the support he can offer me is going to be unbelievable because he has been there and done it at all levels, from Under 9s up to working with the First Team in the last few months of last season.

“He has a broad range of experience and skills but he also has all the qualities I want so I am sure the lads will work hard but also enjoy training with him as much as they have at any of their others clubs.”