ANDREW DAVIES has left Hartlepool United, his contract ended by mutual consent.

The centre-half was the main signing in the summer for then manager Matthew Bates, but has been released just six months into a two-year contract which had an option for a third year.

Appointed club captain, Davies has played only 13 times this season. His last outing was at Gateshead on New Year’s Day and he has sat out the last three games.

Manager Richard Money said on Saturday that Davies was suffering from a hip injury, although he was expected to be fit to play on New Year’s Day against the Heed, and then for Saturday’s home defeat to Maidstone.

Davies wanted to return to the North-East in the summer after playing in Scotland and captaining Ross County.

But he has been linked with a return to the SPL with Dundee.

Pools director of football Craig Hignett said: “Andrew is a proper professional, a great lad and someone who we wish the very best of luck for the future.

“We are sorry it hasn’t worked out here but I’m sure that wherever he goes next he will be a success.”

Davies admitted: “I am sorry that I could not achieve what I had set out to do from the day I joined Hartlepool United Football Club.

“Football is an environment where you never know what’s around the corner; we go our separate ways with mutual respect and I am grateful for having had the privilege to be captain.

“I met some great people at the club, and the fans were great with me so I wish them, the staff and everyone else associated with the club every success in the future.”