Hartlepool United line up exciting goalkeeper deal to replace Trevor Carson

The Northern Irishman quit the club yesterday, signing a three-year deal at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

Harrison admits that he was disappointed to see the 29-year-old leave, but says ‘plans are in place’ to bring in a new No 1.

The Pools manager said: “I wish Trevor all the best at Motherwell.

“I did everything I could to keep him and met him on numerous occasions, but Trevor wanted to move for his international career.

“The club understood his wishes and as I say, we wish him good luck.

“We have plans in place for bringing in a new goalkeeper and it’s looking really positive.”

Harrison is understood to have a couple of options lined up to replace Carson, but one of those isn’t York City shot-stopper Kyle Letheren.

The Welshman was offered to the Northern Gas & Power side, with his contract at York expiring this summer.

However, Harrison has drawn up his own hitlist and won’t be making a move for Letheren, who helped the Minstermen win the FA Trophy at Wembley a fortnight ago.

Harrison, appointed a fortnight ago as Dave Jones’ replacement in the Pools hotseat, is looking to rebuild the squad for their first season in the National League after the heartbreaking last-day relegation from League Two.

Nathan Thomas and Lewis Allessandra were sold before he was appointed, while Pools did their best to hang on to Carson, offering him a new deal on improved terms.

However, the former Sunderland trainee believed a move would further his international career, and opted to join Well for an undisclosed fee after two years at the Vic.

Carson said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get it done finally, it’s been ongoing for a couple of weeks now.

“It’s been on and off but to get up here, get the medical done and everything signed is great and I’m delighted.

“As long as the deal is ongoing you can never switch off from football, it’s always in the back of your mind and now to get it done means I can go away for a week, switch my phone off and relax before coming back recharged to start pre-season.”

And Well manager Stephen Robinson admits he is over the moon to land his man after protracted negotiations.

“He’s a terrific signing for us, he’s 29-years old and I have high hopes for him looking forward – he’s a very good addition to the goalkeeping department,” said

“I’ve been chasing Trevor all summer so to get it over the line is fantastic, our chief scout Martin Foyle has been brilliant and we look forward to working with him.”