Hartlepool United new boy says move is all about the football

Nicky Deverdics says his move to Hartlepool United had nothing to do with geography.
Nicky DeverdicsNicky Deverdics
Nicky Deverdics

The midfielder joined Pools seven days ago after a free transfer from Dover Athletic, where he had enjoyed a brilliant season in the National League.

Attacking star Nathan Thomas, who was signed by Ronnie Moore for an undisclosed fee back in January, has made no bones about the fact that one of the reasons he came to Victoria Park was to be back home on Teesside.

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But Geordie boy Deverdics said his only concern was joining the “right” club and returning to the North East was not a factor.

“There were other offers but I was delighted to sign here, this really felt the right decision,” the 28-year-old told SportMail.

“To come back to the North East wasn’t one of the attractions.

“Yes, I’ve got family up here but I was happy down south.

“I’ve been away for a long time, there was no real desperation to come back home.

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“It just so happened that Hartlepool had come in for me and this was the right fit.”

Deverdics has led a nomadic football existence since coming through the youth ranks at Newcastle United.

After starting with Gateshead, he has been not only up and down the country but to two of the most distant outposts of Europe.

Deverdics has been to Gretna, Barnet, Bolungarvík in Iceland, Alfreton Town, TB Tvøroyri in the Faroe Islands before joining Dover in England’s fifth tier.

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He says boss Craig Hignett and first-team coach, Curtis Fleming, ‘sold’ Pools to him and did not need any help from two old neighbours, Adam Bartlett and Carl Magnay.

“How Hartlepool play was was one of the main reasons I signed,” said the former Dover skipper who led the Whites to fifth place in the National League.

“Carl is a local lad and I came all the way through the Newcastle Academy, so I knew Barts well. from there.

“I spoke to Carl towards the end of last season but have not spoken to him since and I’m looking forward to catching up with him and Barts.”

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Deverdics could soon be joined at the Vic by a new signing.

Hignett, who also brought in promising teenage forward Jake Orrell last week, told SportMail that he hoped to have another newcomer to unveil.