SCOTT LOACH is to leave Hartlepool United - as Pools have instantly signed his replacement. 

Loach is out of contract this summer after two years at the club and, as The Northern Echo reported at the end of the season after he made his 100th consecutive appearance for the club against Salford, he is to exit.

But Pools have quickly signed Ben Killip, the Braintree Town and England C custodian.

Nicky Featherstone is expected to pen a new deal, while Carl Magnay is another likely to remain at the Super 6 Stadium.

Ryan Donaldson has signed a new deal, along with Myles Anderson and Pools last week signed Michael Raynes. 

Killip saved a Liam Noble penalty for Braintree against Pools at the start of last season and played alongside Luke James for England C. He was voted supporters' player of the year at Braintree and was offered a new contract by the club. 

Loach arrived two summers ago and has been one of the bigger earners and the club was not willing to offer the same terms this time.

Loach told the club website: “I have really enjoyed it.

“First of all, I have to thank Craig Harrison and Paul Jenkins for bringing me to the club.

“I was at a place in my career when people maybe knew what I had done and what I could do but I just needed to get back out there and show it, so it was massive for them to have that confidence in me.

“To have to try and follow in the footsteps of Trev (Carson) was always going to be a challenge but the fans took to me from minute one and I really enjoyed my time there and my football.’’