SCOTT LOACH, the former Hartlepool United keeper, has signed for Barnet.

Freed by Pools at the end of the season after he was unable to agree fresh terms on the two-year deal which expired, Loach has now signed for another National League side.

Pools have replaced Loach with Ben Killip and will now come up against their former stopper in the months ahead.

After signing for Barnet, Loach admitted: “Hartlepool was a great place for me, but unfortunately we couldn’t agree to stay there and as a player you are lookin for a club and as it gets closer to pre-season you start itching for a club. The size of the club in this league attracted me.

“You will find it hard to beat a set up in the division above this – for me to come and play it’s a great platform.

“I got a lot of game sunder my belt now and I know this league inside out, a tough one and I know what to expect. I hope to add my attributes to the team.

“I’ve played regular football and I’m just short of 400 at the minute. You want to play every game anyway in all competitions.

“Barnet gave us two tough games last season and it’s nice to feel wanted by the manager. I’ve played a lot of games and I’ve not won anything – I’d love to achieve something, promotion or a cup. We all want a reward and this league is open as any. It’s about consistency than ability. No reason why we can’t be challenging.’’

Manager Darren Currie told his club’s website: “He had one or two options in the league but thankfully he's chosen us.

"We've had a number of conversations over recent weeks and he feels this is the right place for him to play.’’