Hartlepool United fight off competition as Craig Hignett lands a 'top summer target' in former loanee Michael Raynes

Hartlepool United have clinched the signing of defender Michael Raynes on a permanent basis as Craig Hignett continues his summer reshape.
Craig Hignett has clinched the signing of defender Michael RaynesCraig Hignett has clinched the signing of defender Michael Raynes
Craig Hignett has clinched the signing of defender Michael Raynes

The centre back spent time on loan with Pools last season and, after being signed from Crewe Alexandra by then-manager Richard Money, impressed with his no-nonsense style at the back.

But injury put a quick end to his time at the Super 6 Stadium, with the experienced centre back forced to return to his parent club amid an uncertain future.

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Raynes, though, is now set to return to the North East having penned a permanent deal with Pools - as he becomes the second player to join the club after fellow loanee Nicke Kabamba.

Indeed, the club state that they fought off a host of other options to land Raynes after Hignett earmarked the former Carlisle United and Mansfield Town centre back as one of his top summer targets.

The 31-year-old made just three appearances for Pools during his loan spells, but looked to have the makings of a strong partnership with Myles Anderson.

And Hignett will be hoping that Raynes, who has over 400 career appearances, will be able to pick up where he left off once pre-season begins.

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Speaking after his injury, the Pools boss said: “He did great for us, just what we needed – an experienced voice and a real leader.

“It’s an Achilles tear lengthways and if he kept playing it may have snapped and that could have been him done.

"He is a great lad, a great character and someone who the lads like Aaron Cunningham and Peter Kioso can really learn off."