Hartlepool United have bolstered their squad with the signing of Dover Athletic midfielder Nicky Deverdics.

The 28-year-old joins Pools on a free transfer from the Kent side where he was skipper.

Deverdics started his career at Newcastle United, but failed to break through to the first team and instead joined Gateshead, before eventually signing for Gretna, who he played for in the Scottish Premier League.

A nomadic existence followed, with spells in the Football League with Barnet, at Blyth Spartans, Alfreton Town and also abroad in Iceland and the Faroes, before signing for Dover in 2014.

Deverdics helped them to the play-offs last season, where they missed out to Forest Green last month, and was offered a new contract by Dover, but has opted to return to the North East and join Craig Hignett’s side.

“Every time we’ve seen him play he’s been excellent and so have all the reports we have had on him,” explained Hignett.

“He’s the best player in the National League in a lot of people’s eyes; he’s got a great left foot, is very creative and he can make goals as well as score them.

“There were a few clubs in for him but we met him very early and tried to sell the club to him and we managed to convince him that this is the place for him.”

He added on the club website: “Nicky is very ambitious and he wants to join a club who are pushing and hopefully we can give him that platform here.”