Former Hartlepool United goalkeeper Max Thompson has joined North East neighbours Gateshead.

Former Hartlepool United goalkeeper Max Thompson has found a new club - and it means a quickfire reunion with his old club after he agreed an 18-month deal with National League rivals.

The former Newcastle United goalkeeper joined Pools on a short-term deal in late-September and made three National League appearances before departing the club once on-loan Chelsea youngster Max Merrick returned to full fitness. However, Thompson will remain in the top flight of the non-league game after he agreed to join the Heed ahead of Saturday’s home game with Barrow.

Hartlepool United goalkeeper Max Thompson during the 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town (photo Frank Reid) | Frank Reid

placeholder image — Hartlepool United goalkeeper Max Thompson during the 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town (photo Frank Reid) | Frank Reid

The deal means the 22-year-old could feature for the Tynesiders when they entertain Pools at the International Stadium next Saturday afternoon.

Speaking after putting pen-to-paper, he told the club website: “It’s good just to get playing again, get settled with a new group and hopefully just kick on really. With everything going on over the past month, it looks like it’s all been cleared up now and it’s going to be a smooth transition for me getting into here. I’m in the building, everything is signed, it’s time to get my head down and crack on with what I can do to help the team. I guess to show what I can do and add to the team any which way I can to hopefully turn results around to primarily stay in the league and whatever else comes from that, even better, we can try and kick on up the league as well.”

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