Hartlepool United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Southend United

The 26-year-old joins Pools for an undisclosed fee, subject to relevant approvals.

Hayes came through the Ipswich Town academy before signing for Southend on loan in 2023 on a short-term deal.

A further loan at Solihull Moors in 2024 saw Hayes reach the National League play-off final, losing on penalties to Bromley.

Barnet swooped for Hayes that summer, then would return to Roots Hall in February 2025, once again reaching the play-off final, losing out to Oldham Athletic.

On joining Pools, Hayes said:

“I just cannot wait to get started.

“It’s a massive Club, the fanbase is brilliant, and I’m signing here at a great time.

“I’ve played here before, and I saw the fans firsthand; they are a lively bunch.

“It’s a challenging league… this time of year, you really need to put runs together to get into those play-off spaces.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think we’ve got the squad to do that.”

Pools Manager Nicky Featherstone said:

“I’m pleased to have brought Nick to the Club.

“We looked at his pedigree at this level; he’s played in the last two play-off finals, so he is someone with really good experience at this level.

“It’s nice to have a permanent goalkeeper as well, knowing that he is ours will bring a lot of security, which is a massive thing for us.

“We did character reference with loads of people, everyone said the same thing that he is a top lad above everything.

“We’ve got a good goalkeeper and a good person in the building.”

Hayes will wear the number 23.