HE might have turned 38 earlier this month, but Keith Curle is confident Leon Clarke still has plenty to offer to Hartlepool United.

Clarke has joined Pools on an incentive-based deal until the end of the season, and will hope to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s League Two game at AFC Wimbledon.

Pools are in the relegation zone after losing 2-0 at Crewe on Tuesday evening, and while Clarke might be approaching his 40s, Curle is confident his extensive attacking experience will aid the club’s push for survival.

“We’ve signed Leon,” confirmed the Pools boss. “People might say he’s 38 years old, but age is just a number. The lad looks after himself. He’s fit and he’s keen.

“I think I signed for Sheffield United in the Championship at the age of 37 and still understood the game. He knows what’s required.

“He’s got a good goalscoring record, the lad can score goals. He’s a physical presence, he understands the game, and we’ve got an opportunity to partner strikers up front. I think they will enjoy playing with him.”

Clarke first broke through at Wolves back in 2003, and has had a well-travelled career that has seen him play for a host of clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, QPR, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.

His most recent Football League involvement came with Bristol Rovers, where he made 11 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign.

His time at the Memorial Ground was hampered by a hamstring injury, and Pools have insisted on a heavily-incentivised deal that will see a large chunk of Clarke’s wages being dependent on appearances and performances.

“He’s not coming here for a pay cheque,” said Curle. “He’s on a performance-related contract, which means he scores goals, we win games, and that’s how he earns his wages. I think that’s something a lot of First and Second Division clubs will be looking at – incentive-related pay for lower-league clubs. I think that’s the way forward.”

Clarke is the 15th signing that Pools have made under Curle’s stewardship. Free agents Theo Robinson and Christopher Missilou were signed on short-term deals, Alex Cairns arrived on an emergency loan deal, and 11 players were recruited during the January window.

Pools currently sit in 23rd position in the League Two table, behind Crawley Town on goal difference, but have played at least one more game than all six of the teams directly above them.