HARTLEPOOL UNITED were involved in a busy day of transfer business today as they completed the signings of defender Jake Hull and striker Marcus Carver.

Hull, a 20-year-old centre-half, has signed on a season-long loan from Rotherham United, while Carver, a 28-year-old forward, has made a permanent move from non-league side Southport.

Hull spent the first half of the season on loan at National League North side Guiseley, having stepped up from Rotherham’s academy in the summer of 2020, when he signed his first professional deal.

The Sheffield-born defender also featured in the Papa John’s Trophy for Rotherham this term, helping the Millers keep two clean sheets during the group stage of the competition.

“We’re very pleased to get Jake Hull in,” said Pools boss Graeme Lee. “He’s another player who comes in with a great attitude and character,

"He has the attributes we were looking for in a defender, and we know he can be a real success here.

“We would like to thank Rotherham as well for allowing Jake to spend the remainder of the season with us.

"We are looking forward both the lads (Hull and Carver) in with the squad this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bristol.”

Hull will hope to be part of the Pools squad for Saturday’s trip to the Memorial Stadium to take on Bristol Rovers, and will wear the number 15 shirt following the departure of Eddy Jones.

“I’m delighted to join Hartlepool for the rest of the season,” he said. “It has all happened quite quickly, but this is a huge club with great history, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I have gained some first-team experience with Guiseley this season, but I am looking forward to working with Graeme, who I know was a great defender and can help me develop my game.”

Hull’s arrival was confirmed a few hours after Pools completed the permanent signing of Carver to help plug the gap created by the departure of both Tyler Burey and Will Goodwin last week.

Carver has scored 12 goals in 17 appearances for Southport this season, putting him third on the National League North goalscoring charts.

Prior to his move to Southport in the summer, the striker spent five years with Chorley and featured against Pools in a goalless draw in the National League back in 2019. He also started in Chorley’s National League North play-off final win over Spennymoor Town.

“I’m delighted to finally get this deal over the line,” said Carver. “I’m hungry to succeed here, and this is a great opportunity for myself.

“I’ve been linked with other Football League clubs over the last few weeks, but as soon as I knew Hartlepool were interested, it was an easy decision for me.

"It’s a great club with huge potential, and you can see from last week’s results and the atmosphere at the Suit Direct, this is a great club to be involved with.”

Lee added: “I am delighted to get Marcus in with us. He has the attitude, character and work ethic we are looking for.

"He has already scored 17 goals this season and hopefully more to come in blue and white.

“I want to thank Southport and Liam Watson for the support they have shown us during our bid to bring Marcus to the club.”