HARTLEPOOL UNITED have made former Newcastle United trainee Conor Newton their eighth signing of the summer.

Newton, a 25-year-old midfielder, has signed a one-year deal at Victoria Park, with Pools beating off competition from League One Plymouth Argyle to secure his signature.

Having played at senior level with Rotherham United, St Mirren and Cambridge United, Newton boasts plenty of experience.

And Hartlepool boss Craig Harrison is confident his ability and energy will make him a valuable asset as Pools look to bounce back to the Football League.

“Conor will give us great competition in the centre of midfield,” said Harrison. “First and foremost, he’s a good footballer, but he’s also a very, very fit lad.

“He’s a box-to-box midfielder who will get beyond the front man. He’s energetic and very dynamic, and at six foot he’s also a good size.

“With the physical prowess he has, he will be able to compete on that level as well as with his running power.

Newcastle-born Newton was a free agent following his release from Cambridge earlier in the summer, and links up with another of Pools’ summer signings, Ryan Donaldson, having previously played alongside the winger in Newcastle’s academy.

“We want to get people into the area who want to be here, and Conor fits the bill,” said Harrison. “We want to build a squad moving forward that will identify with the area and help us succeed.”

Tomorrow is the deadline for Pools’ early-bird season tickets, with around 2,500 having already been sold.