Toon deny Carver talk

Freddy Shepherd has dismissed reports that John Carver is on his way to Hartlepool.

Carver is currently the academy director at St James' Park but has been linked this week with a move to fill the vacant managerial position at Victoria Park.

Following Neale Cooper's resignation Hartlepool have been on the lookout for a new chief - with Carver's name currently in the frame.

However, Shepherd admits he is in the dark about speculation that has suggested Carver has resigned from his current post.

''John is currently on holiday and the report of his supposed resignation is news to me,'' Shepherd told the club's official website.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Steven Istead has inked his first professional contract.