Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of experienced defender Liam Gibson following the expiry of his contract with Harrogate Town.

The 29-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year through to June 2028, subject to the relevant registration approvals.

Gibson arrives at Pools after impressing Lee Clark and his coaching staff throughout pre-season, having trained with the squad and featured in the Club’s opening pre-season fixture against Seaton Carew at Hornby Park.

The experienced defender arrives at Victoria Park with more than 170 Football League appearances to his name following a professional career spanning more than a decade across League One and League Two.

Born in Stanley, County Durham, Gibson joined Newcastle United’s Academy as an 11-year-old and progressed through the Club’s highly regarded youth system before gaining valuable senior experience during loan spells with Gateshead, Accrington Stanley and Grimsby Town.

Following his departure from Newcastle United in 2020, Gibson joined Morecambe, where he established himself as a key member of the side that secured promotion to League One through the 2021 League Two Play-Offs.

The versatile defender went on to make 111 appearances across three seasons with the Shrimps before joining Harrogate Town in the summer of 2023.

Across three seasons with the Sulphurites, Gibson made 64 appearances in all competitions. During the 2025/26 campaign, he featured 19 times, registering three assists in League Two.

Capable of operating at left-back, centre-back and in defensive midfield, Gibson adds valuable versatility, leadership and proven Football League experience to Lee Clark’s squad ahead of next season.

Speaking after completing his move to Hartlepool United, Liam Gibson said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Pools. Having been in with the lads since the start of pre-season, it didn’t take me long to realise what this football club is all about.

“The standard has been excellent from day one. The coaching staff have been first class, the quality within the squad is really high and you can see the ambition through the players the Club has brought in this summer. Everything about the football club has a Football League feel to it..

“Ultimately though, it’s up to us to deliver. There’s a lot of expectation because this is a massive football club and, growing up in the North East, I know exactly how much Pools means to the supporters. Poolies are passionate about their club and they want to see it back where they believe it belongs. That’s our challenge now.

“The first few weeks of pre-season have been really positive. The lads have worked incredibly hard every day and everyone is buying into what Lee Clark and his staff are trying to achieve. We’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re in the best possible physical and tactical shape when the season starts.

“I’m delighted to have my future sorted. I feel I’ve got a lot to offer this football club and, equally, I think this football club has a lot to offer me. One of my strengths is my versatility. I’m comfortable at left-back, centre-back or in defensive midfield and wherever I’m asked to play I’ll give absolutely everything.

“Now it’s about taking my opportunity, helping the team in any way I can and doing everything possible to bring success to this great football club.”

Gibson becomes the latest addition to Lee Clark’s squad as preparations for the 2026/27 National League campaign continue to gather momentum following the opening weeks of pre-season.

The experienced defender joins Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan, Owen Hampson, Chris Popov, Will Harris, Charlie Penman, Brooklyn Ilunga, Corey McKeown, Terry Bondo, Neo Eccleston among the Club’s summer arrivals.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “We’ve had Liam with us throughout pre-season and that’s been a real benefit because it’s given us the opportunity to see exactly what he brings, both on the training pitch and around the dressing room.

“I’ve known Liam for a number of years and come up against him with previous clubs, so I knew the qualities he had. He’s always been a tough opponent. He’s competitive, experienced and exactly the type of character you want in your dressing room.

“To be able to bring in a player with more than 170 Football League appearances and assess him at close quarters has been invaluable. We’ve seen how quickly he’s settled into the group, how well he’s fitted in with the lads and the positive influence he’s had since day one. He’s an excellent professional and exactly the type of character you want around the football club.

“He suits the way we want to play. He’s comfortable in possession, understands the game and gives us real flexibility because he’s capable of playing at left-back, centre-back or in defensive midfield.

“We’re delighted to have him at Pools. I’m looking forward to seeing him compete for a place in the team and I’m confident he’ll make a big contribution for us over the course of the season, wherever he’s asked to play.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “We’re delighted to be signing a player of Liam’s quality. He brings real balance to the back line, along with a vast amount of Football League experience that will be invaluable to the group.

“When the opportunity arose to bring Liam in during pre-season, it was one we were keen to take. What really stood out over the last few weeks, though, was how much he wanted to be here. Every conversation we had reinforced that he believed in what we’re building and wanted to play his part in it.

“He’s fitted into the group brilliantly and it’s been clear from day one that he shares the values we’re looking for. Just as importantly, he’s a player who fits the way Lee wants us to play. He’s comfortable in possession, versatile and capable of playing in a number of positions, giving us real flexibility over the course of a long season.

“Growing up in the North East, Liam understands exactly what Hartlepool United means to its supporters. He knows the expectation that comes with representing this football club and he’s embraced that responsibility from the moment he arrived.

“We’re delighted Liam is joining us. His experience will be invaluable within the squad, not only for what he’ll bring on the pitch but also through the influence and leadership he’ll provide off it.”