Hartlepool United fight off interest from Chesterfield, Chester and AFC Fylde to secure Tom Crawford following his release from Notts County

Former Notts County midfielder Tom Crawford is being eyed up by Hartlepool United (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

After a busy start to August, Pools had gone almost three weeks withouta signing with left-back David Ferguson the most recent player previously through the door at Victoria Park.

Since then, the departure of Gus Mafuta to Boreham Wood has freed up space in Hartlepool’s midfield and Dave Challinor’s budget – allowing for a few more incomings.

And Challinor has turned to Crawford as his next signing after previously working with him during his time at AFC Fylde.

The 21-year-old midfielder featured 10 times for the Coasters during their 2018-19 play-off final campaign, scoring twice.

Further play-off heartbreak would follow for Crawford with Notts County as he was an unused substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Harrogate Town at Wembley Stadium last month.

After failing to feature in any of the Magpies’ first 25 matchday squad in the National League, Crawford became a regular substitute during the back end of the 2019-20 season, scoring once in eight appearances.

Following his release from Notts County, several clubs were believed to have registered an interest in the England C international, including Pools, Chesterfield and former clubs Fylde and Chester.

But Hartlepool have won the race for Crawford’s signature as he joins up with the squad in time for their return to full pre-season training ahead of next month’s friendly schedule.

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