HARTLEPOOL United have seized upon the free agent market once again with the acquisition of former Harrogate Town defender Jake Lawlor. 

The 30-year-old has been on trial with Pools over the summer and featured in a number of friendlies. With Pools looking to build squad depth going into the League Two season, Lawlor has joined the ranks of Dave Challinor's side as a trusted member of his squad having played under him at AFC Fylde in 2018 for a brief loan spell. 

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.

Pools have a number of defensive options at centre-half with Gary Liddle, Timi Odusina, and Neill Byrne to choose from while Reagan Ogle can also play there.

Lawlor began his career with Guiseley where he featured over 100 times for the Yorkshire side before being loaned to AFC Fylde under Challinor. 

The Pools boss said: "Jake is someone I’ve worked with before, he has EFL experience and ticks boxes in terms of the different positions he can play.

"Jake will be a great asset to the squad and I believe we can continue to improve him in those different positions."

A free transfer to Salford City was next but in bizarre circumstances, Lawlor spent just two months on the books there before signing a two-year deal with Wrexham, where he played out the remainder of his contract. 

Harrogate Town secured his services for last season but the defender featured just 17 times in League Two last season. 

His deal with Pools represents the chance to have another crack at the EFL when they begin their League Two season at home to Crawley Town.