ZAINE Francis-Angol has become the latest player to put pen-to-paper at Hartlepool United.

The full-back made five appearances in a Pools shirt last season including coming on as a second half substitute in their National League play-off final win against Torquay United.

It's understood a deal has been agreed for quite some time but needed to be rubber stamped by the Pools hierarchy. 

The 28-year-old is a trusted member of Dave Challinor's squad having played under him at AFC Fylde. He'll have another crack at the Football League after a spell with Accrington Stanley in 2019. 

Francis-Angol told the club website: "I am delighted to sign a new deal ahead of the new season. I have quickly learned how great this club is. The scenes in Bristol were surreal and the fans were different class.

"I certainly want to push on this season and I can’t wait to play in front of a packed out Victoria Park in the new League Two season."

Manager Dave Challinor said "It is something that has been in the pipeline for a while. Zaine was a small part of our success when he joined last season.

"I know he wants to kick on and prove himself in the EFL. He is a really good option for us, certainly different to what we have in Ferguson. Zaine is good competition for that left hand side."