Hartlepool United can confirm Louis Stephenson has joined Whitby Town on a short-term loan deal with immediate effect.

The right-back, who has made 26 appearances for Pools, previously spent a month on loan at Blyth Spartans where he played four games.

Stephenson now joins Whitby, managed by former Pools defender Gary Liddle, where Hartlepool duo Campbell Darcy and Alfie Steel are also currently playing on loan.

The Seasiders sit 14th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and welcome Lancaster City on Saturday afternoon.

Head of Football Operations, Joe Monks, commented:
“Louis has progressed well so far this season. He made the jump into a new environment by going on loan to Blyth Spartans – that was a different challenge for him as he’s never been away from Hartlepool and it’s benefitted him greatly.

“He now joins Whitby, which is another stage in his development where he’ll be able to play games at a competitive standard and grow. Campbell and Alfie have done well there, and learning from someone like Gary Liddle will be fantastic for him.

“Louis remains firmly part of our first team picture and, as with our other Academy-grown loan players, he’ll continue to train with the squad on a daily basis.”