Fergie: Decision to quit a 'no-brainer'

Former Hartlepool United defender David Ferguson said a move to Gateshead was a "no-brainer" after talks with Pools "fizzled out".

- Robbie Stelling

The experienced defender, who turned 31 earlier this month, became the 13th player to leave Victoria Park this summer; Pools released nine players at the end of the season, including skipper Luke Waterfall and popular attacker Anthony Mancini, while Billy Sass-Davies, Josh Mazfari and Dan Dodds have all moved elsewhere.

It was widely expected that Ferguson, who spent five years at Victoria Park, would remain at Pools for another season.

Although the versatile defender, who can operate as a left-back or centre-half, has divided opinion at times, especially since relegation back to the National League, his reliability, consistency and commitment meant most fans expected Pools to tie him down.

Indeed, he said he'd "love to stay" after scoring in the draw with Forest Green Rovers on the final day of the season.