Blackpool announce second summer signing

Bristol Rovers defender Peter Hartley becomes Blackpool's second signing of the summer.
Hartley with chief executive Alex CowdyHartley with chief executive Alex Cowdy
Hartley with chief executive Alex Cowdy

The 29-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months,The centre back joins on the back of a disrupted season in League One last time out, where he scored six times in 25 appearances before injury cut short his campaign.

Hartley, who hails from Hartlepool, previously made close to 200 appearances for his hometown club, before joining Stevenage.The defender twice finished in the League Two Play-Offs with Plymouth Argyle, where he played alongside Pool’s Kelvin Mellor and Jamille Matt.On the move, Hartley said: “When Blackpool arose as one of my options it was a no-brainer. I watched the play-off games and the manager has been at a top level.“I’m here to play football and to be able to do it at League One level again is something I’m looking forward to.”

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Hartley suffered a foot injury during Bristol Rovers’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic in January, which ruled him out of action for three months.

It is understood the Pirates were reluctant to let him go.

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke said: “We would like to thank Harts for all of his efforts during his time at the club.

“He is a fantastic professional and we wish him every success in the future.”

The announcement follows the club's first signing of the summer on Thursday, which saw defender Curtis Tilt arrive from Wrexham.

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The Seasiders are expected to have a busy summer of recruitment having released 10 players following their promotion through the League Two play-offs.

The signing of two centre backs will only intensify speculation that Tom Aldred is heading out of the door, having been linked with fellow League One sides Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.