Hartlepool United clinch signing of Grimsby hotshot Padraig Amond

The free-scoring striker today joined Pools after turning down a new deal at the promoted Mariners, who will be one of Pools' League Two rivals next season.

The 28-year-old Irishman becomes the second signing from Blundell Park after boss Craig Hignett snatched highly-rated defender Toto Nsiala on a free transfer last Thursday.

Amond's goal fired Grimsby to promotion in his first season at the club, helping himself to 30 goals in 40 games.

His feats helped his team yo Wembley twice, in the National League play-off final and in the FA trophy.

The Irishman has enjoyed a fine career which began in his native Ireland, scoring goals for Shamrock Rovers, Kildare and Sligo Rovers before moving to England with Accrington and Morecambe.

Amond averaged a goal every four games at his time in Lancashire but his career took off spectacularly with the Mariners, leading them back to the Football League.

With Billy Paynter having scored 15 goals in his first season at Pools in 2015-16, prospects look exciting for Hignett next term.