John Askey adds experience to his defensive ranks as Hartlepool United agree short-term deal for ex-Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United man

Hartlepool have moved to add to their defensive options after the short-term exits of both Kieran Burton and Edon Pruti with the addition of former Leicester City youth defender Mattock.

Mattock, 33, brings plenty of Football League experience to the Suit Direct Stadium having enjoyed spells with the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United where he was an unused substitute for the Millers in their EFL Trophy semi-final tie against Hartlepool back in March 2022.

Mattock also brings plenty of experience of being promoted having enjoyed a number of successes in League One.

The defender ended a seven-year spell at the New York Stadium, where he made well over 200 appearances, when joining Harrogate last summer.

Mattock featured for the Sulphurites in both of their League Two fixtures against Hartlepool last season but has struggled to keep his place in Simon Weaver’s side this campaign with just five appearances to his name.

"I'm massively looking forward to it,” said Mattock.

"It's a big club – I've played at the Suit Direct Stadium multiple times and it's always been bouncing. It's a good opportunity for me to get some games under my belt. I can't wait to get started."

Mattock joins on a short-term loan deal after Burton and Pruti made way and will provide manager Askey with another option in defence following the injury to Zak Johnson in the defeat to Aldershot Town.