A former Newcastle United and Harrogate Town defender has become Hartlepool United’s latest signing of a busy summer.
Hartlepool United new boy Liam Gibson is determined to take the opportunity he has been handed after the former Newcastle United defender penned an initial one-year deal at Victoria Park.
The 29-year-old has been on trial with Pools recently and featured in Saturday’s pre-season friendly win at Northern League Division newcomers Seaton Carew - and he has done enough to convince Lee Clark to make him a permanent member of his squad. Gibson, who featured alongside the likes of Sean Longstaff and Callum Roberts during his time with the Magpies academy, will bring EFL experience after appearing for Morecambe and Harrogate Town in League Two prior to his release from the latter earlier this summer.
Hartlepool United defender Liam Gibson (photo Hartlepool United FC)placeholder image
Hartlepool United defender Liam Gibson (photo Hartlepool United FC) | Hartlepool United FC
Gibson also trained alongside Newcastle’s senior stars on a regular basis - but two unused substitute appearances in Premier League fixtures with Everton and West Bromwich Albion were the closest he came to making a first-team appearance. However, he has now clocked up over 200 senior appearances elsewhere and he will now hope to make a major impact during his first season at Pools after signing a deal ahead of Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly at Northern Premier League Premier Division club Redcar Athletic.
Speaking after putting pen-to-paper, the left-sided defender said: "The first few weeks of pre-season have been really positive. The lads have worked incredibly hard every day and everyone is buying into what Lee Clark and his staff are trying to achieve. We're doing everything we can to make sure we're in the best possible physical and tactical shape when the season starts.
"I'm delighted to have my future sorted. I feel I've got a lot to offer this football club and, equally, I think this football club has a lot to offer me. One of my strengths is my versatility. I'm comfortable at left-back, centre-back or in defensive midfield and wherever I'm asked to play I'll give absolutely everything. Now it's about taking my opportunity, helping the team in any way I can and doing everything possible to bring success to this great football club."
Continue Reading