Cook handed permanent Pools deal

Hartlepool United have handed goalkeeper Mark Cook a permanent deal following a successful trial at Victoria Park.

The former Newcastle United custodian, 19, was released earlier this summer following five years at St James' Park.

He is likely to compete for a place with fellow shot stoppers Jan Budtz and Aaron Lee-Barratt.

Cook becomes Hartlepool's third summer signing behind midfielders Richie Jones and Alan Power.