Hartlepool United are delighted to confirm the signing of Peter Hartley.
Hartley rejoins the club on a permanent deal after recently leaving Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC.
The Hartlepool-born defender first joined the club in 2009 from North-East neighbours and went on to make 181 appearances. Neale Cooper appointed him team captain in 2012 and he kept the armband under John Hughes.
After leaving Pools, the 34-year-old had spells at Stevenage, Plymouth, Bristol Rovers, Blackpool and Motherwell before heading to India.
Hartley now returns home and signs a deal until the end of the season.
Keith Curle added: 'Peter has been training with us over the last week and we can see he's a leader, a good character and the boy can still play. His experience will certianly help us and we are looking forward to seeing Peter on the pitch'.
Peter Hartley commented: 'I’m not here for the comfort of home. I’m here to help this team progress. I’ve seen more then enough that we can get out of this situation. I have some great memories from my time here and ten years on, I am just as hungry to create some more success'.
Hartley will wear the squad number 39 and his move is subject to international clearance.