Star striker Harris completes move to Hartlepool from Halifax

The 25-year-old scored 22 goals in the National League for Halifax last season and became the subject of fierce transfer speculation recently when it was disputed whether The Shaymen had triggered the option in his contract in time, thus potentially making him a free agent.

But Halifax have insisted he was contracted to the club for the forthcoming season.

Harris joined Town from Spennymoor last summer, signing a one-year deal with an option.

His departure is a massive blow to The Shaymen and their new manager John McGrath.

Harris has signed a deal until June 2028 at Hartlepool, with an option for a further year.

Hartlepool say the transfer is subject to the relevant approvals, but no fee has been mentioned in his announcement, and it has been reported that Harris has joined the club on a free transfer.

Speaking to the Hartlepool website, Harris said: “I’m delighted to be here. As soon as Pools’ interest became serious, this was the place I wanted to come.

“Chris made it clear how much the Club wanted to bring me here and that meant a lot. We had some really good conversations about where the Club is heading and the role they believed I could play in it.

“I’ve worked hard to get myself into this position and I feel I’m joining at the right time in my career. Last season gave me a lot of confidence, but I’m hungry to keep improving, keep scoring goals and help this football club achieve what it’s capable of.

“You only have to look at this football club to see where it wants to be. There’s real ambition here and I wanted to be part of that. As a player, those are the sort of challenges you look for.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in next week, meeting the lads and getting straight to work in pre-season. That’s where everything starts and we’ll all be focused on preparing properly for what’s going to be a big season.

“I’ve played at Victoria Park before, so I know what the supporters are like and the atmosphere they create. It’s a brilliant place to play football and I’m looking forward to having them behind me this season.

“I’ll give absolutely everything every time I pull on the shirt and hopefully I can repay the faith the Club has shown in me with goals and, most importantly, success for Pools.”