FORMER Port Vale striker Mark Cullen has officially been announced as a Hartlepool United player after serving a trial period at the club. 

It's understood that a deal has been in place for some time but couldn't be officially be unveiled until August due to EFL severance packages with previous clubs. 

The 29-year-old scored in Pools friendly against Runcorn Linnets but limped off in the first few minutes of their defeat to Spennymoor Town due to a hamrstring injury and has been recvoering ever since. 

Cullen signs a permanent deal at Pools and brings a wealth of Football League experience.

He broke onto the scene in 2013 with Luton Town scoring 21 league goals in 71 appearances. From there, he earned himself a £180,000 move to Blackpool in 2015 where he featured heavily in the League One scoring nine times in 41 league appearances, including a brace on his debut against Colchester United.

At Port Vale, the striker has found game time hard to come by and hasn't registered a goal since September last year. 

Cullen told the club website: "I know the Pools fans are passionate, I know they get right behind the team so it is an exciting move for me and I can’t wait to get properly started.

"I have obviously been around the squad for a good few weeks now. They are a great set of lads and everyone is eager and hungry for the new season."

Cullen joins fellow striker Olufela Olomola in joining the club as a free agent following a trial period.