Hartlepool sign ex-England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach as new No 1

The 29-year-old replaces Trevor Carson as Pools' new No 1 after joining on a free transfer.

Loach, who was twice called into the full England set-up under Fabio Capello and was an unused squad member for the World Cup 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

The Nottingham-born shot-stopper played more than 150 times for Watford, and was also in goal for England Under-21s when they played in the European Championships final against Germany in 2009.

He was at Notts County last season, but spent three months on loan at York City in the National League, playing nine games as they were eventually relegated.

Loach, who also counts Ipswich and Bradford City among his former clubs, will replace Carson, who signed for Motherwell earlier this week.

He becomes the fourth signing of the day, after Pools announced the capture of midfielder Jack Munns, Wales Under-21 striker Jake Cassidy and Chester captain Luke George.