Mathew Bates seals in-demand defender as his first Hartlepool signing

Pools boss Matthew Bates had landed his first signing

The 28-year-old, who is comfortable playing at centre back or left back, becomes Matthew Bates' first signing as permanent Pools boss.

An experienced campaigner, Anderson's most recent spell was with Chester whom he left at the end of last season after his short-term deal expired.

Having come through the ranks at Leyton Orient, the defender's big break came when he made the move to Aberdeen in 2011 before then going on to Blackburn Rovers.

He has also spent time overseas having represented Monza, Chievo and L’Aquila in Italy.

More recently, Anderson turned out for Barrow and Torquay in the National League - and he featured at Plainmoor for the Gulls against Hartlepool last season.

His experience in the fifth tier will prove vital as Bates looks to build a squad that can deal with the demands of non-league.

The new Pools boss continues to chase his top targets as he begins to rebuild the squad at Victoria Park.

Pools fans will have their first opportunities to see Anderson in action when they take on Billingham and Middlesbrough in pre-season.