Hartlepool United make it FIVE signings in a day as ex-Middlesbrough and Halifax winger Josh MacDonald joins

The 25-year-old former Middlesbrough trainee and Halifax Town wideman became the fifth signing on a busy Saturday at Victoria Park as Dave Challinor’s transfer plans took a major step forward.

Mark Shelton, Timi Odusina, Gary Liddle and Rhys Oates have also all signed permanent contracts at Pools ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Pools now have 13 players on permanent deals ahead of the new National League campaign kicking off in early October.

MacDonald, who played for Marske United as a youngster, has spent the past five years at Halifax Town.

Favoured as a right-winger, MacDonald left The Shay as a fans' favourite after making 132 appearances for the club, including the 2016 FA Trophy final victory at Wembley.

MacDonald joined Town from Marske United and quickly endeared himself to Town supporters with his pace and directness down the right flank.

Pools boss Dave Challinor has described the winger as ‘direct, quick and unpredictable.’

A delighted Challinor said: “Josh is a local lad which always helps because he knows the area and he knows the expectation of being a Hartlepool United player.

"He is someone I have known for a while and I’m delighted to finally get him in.

"He is direct, quick and unpredictable and definitely an asset to the team.

"He has a had a good few years at Halifax, he knows the league and now he’s ready to commit to us as a club.”

MacDonald can also play on the left of midfield and through the middle.

The Pools squad returned to training last week and Challinor will continue to look to strengthen his squad over the coming weeks.

The length of contracts of the five players signed on Saturday have not been revealed by Pools.

Challinor also hopes to add Fleetwood Town defender Macauley Southam-Hales but the Pools boss admits he may have to be patient to land the defender.

The 24-year-old Welsh full-back enjoyed a successful loan stint at Victoria Park last season and Challinor is keen to see him return.

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