Hartlepool United announce signing of former Kidderminster Harriers defender Ryan Johnson on a short term deal along with live stream update

The 23-year-old centre-back and former Northern Ireland under-21 international has agreed a short term deal at Victoria Park after leaving National League North side Kidderminster Harriers.

Johnson started his professional career at Stevenage and played 13 matches in between various loan spells for the EFL club.

He arrived at Kidderminster on an initial loan deal in 2018 before going on to play almost 70 matches for The Harriers.

Dave Challinor started the defender as a trialist in Saturday’s practice match against Darlington, where he was deployed in both the left-back and centre-back positions.

And with defenders in scarce supply in the Pools squad, Challinor was keen to get a permanent short-term deal sorted.

“Ryan came in last week on trial," Challinor told the club website. "He fits into the squad well and has shown good signs since training with us so we were happy to get this deal done.”

Following his arrival, Johnson said: “ “I am delighted to sign for Pools. They are a huge club that in my opinion, don’t belong in this league.

"I want to come in and help as best I can. I am nothing but excited to play at The Vic – the pitch is a carpet.

"I'm a left-sided centre-back, left-footed, I like to think I’m quick and I love defending and I’m ready to play when I’m needed.”

Johnson becomes the 19th member of Pools’ squad ahead of the new National League season set to start behind closed doors on Saturday, October 3.

Hartlepool are set to host Aldershot Town at Victoria Park and have announced plans to live stream home matches to supporters at a cost of £9.99 per match.

The live streaming service will be free to all season ticket holders while they are unable to attend matches due to coronavirus regulation. Further details on how to purchase and stream Hartlepool’s matches live will be available ahead of Saturday’s season opener.

The National League are still aiming to receive confirmation of a support package which will compensate clubs’ lost net gate revenue ahead of the new season.

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