SCOTT FLINDERS has ended his six-year stint at Hartlepool United, after signing for York City.

And the goalkeeper is in for a quick reunion with his former club, as Pools go to Bootham Crescent on August 15 – the second League Two game of the season.

Flinders was offered a new deal to stay at Pools, but on reduced terms. Ronnie Moore’s capture last week of one-time Sunderland keeper Trevor Carson indicated Flinders’ days were over at Pools.

“It’s been a funny summer, out of contract. The gaffer here got in touch, but I’ve been on holiday – I’m delighted to sign for York.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Hartlepool. They gave me a chance to play games after leaving Palace, which is what I needed.

“I was 23 then and needed to play games, now I’m 29 played 350 games and have the experience behind me.

“As a goalie, it’s about playing. At a young age I left Barnsley and played game son loan. Hartlepool gave me a chance to play week in, week out.’’

Flinders was appointed captain at Pools last season after Colin Cooper quit as boss and caretaker boss Sam Collins put him in command. He kept the armband for the remainder of the season and leaves with 276 appearances to his name – the most by any Pools goalkeeper.

Flinders added: “I’ve had a fantastic time at Hartlepool and this is my new challenge.

“Last season was something else. A great end to the season. We finished above the relegation line and it was a good thing. It’s gone now, let’s concentrate on York.

“I had a special bond with Hartlepool supporters. I was captain there last year. Good teams have good team spirit and I will hopefully help bring that here.

“Michael Ingham is here and he had a great game against Hartlepool last season, it’s going to be hard, but it’s one I’m up for.’’

Paul Murray, who managed Pools for 45 days last season, is to join the coaching staff at Conference club Barrow.

Meanwhile, Pools new owners JPNG and chairman Gary Coxall will hold a press conference at Victoria Park this afternoon.

Their arrival has been welcomed by the newly-formed Supporters’ Trust.

A startment read: “We are delighted to welcome new owners JPNG, new Chairman Gary Coxall and new Director Peter Goldberg to the club.

The Trust is at a critical time of it's formation, with full verification expected in the next few days, and would hope to work in conjunction with JPNG for the future benefit of the club, and it's supporters.’’

Trust spokesman Phil Dunn said: "We are tremendously excited about the future of Hartlepool United Football Club under the new owners, and feel that they have the drive and ambition to take the club forward over the coming years.

“The newly-formed Supporters Trust will be seeking to help the club in any way that it can over the coming months and feel that a good working relationship with the owners can only benefit the Club and the fans.’’

The Trust is reaching the closing stages of it's formation, with verification expected this week.

Dunn added: "The timing of the formation of the Trust, coupled with JPNG's takeover couldn't really be better.

“It's a big, big chance for a new beginning, a new relationship between the two parties who, after all, have a common goal - success for Hartlepool United Football Club on and off the field.

“The town is buzzing again after last season's Great Escape, and in Ronnie Moore Pools fans know we have the right man in charge to make good progress this season."

" We must be thankful for the work Ken Hodcroft and IOR have put in over the years, and especially the appointment of Ronnie Moore last season. Now is the time to move forward, and hopefully relegation battles will be a distant memory by May."

The Trust will be making a further announcement very soon regarding a membership drive and taking nominations for it's elected board.