Pools win Jones chase

Former Man Utd midfielder joins Hartlepool

Last updated: 4th July 2008

ritchie jones

Jones: Free transfer

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Hartlepool have completed the signing of midfielder Ritchie Jones on a free transfer.

The highly-rated 21-year-old was released by Premier League champions Manchester United at the end of last season.

He had been linked with several clubs in Scotland as well as England, with Tranmere and Hearts firmly in the running.

However, Jones has made the decision to join Hartlepool, much to the delight of manager Danny Wilson.

"The nice thing is that he had numerous clubs after him but from our point of view, thankfully he chose us and that's a big feather in our cap," Wilson told the club's official website.

The news will come as a blow to Swindon boss Maurice Malpas, who had hoped to lure Jones to the County Ground.

Malpas is now expected to turn his focus to securing a deal for Peterborough's Josh Low.