Central defender Michael Nelson has agreed a �70,000 move from Bury to Hartlepool. Nelson was captain of Bury but the club's financial plight has forced them to sell one of their most influential players.
The 23-year-old Gateshead-born player was named as Bury's player-of-the-year last season after signing for the Shakers from Bishop Auckland in April 2001.
Nelson becomes new Pool boss Neale Cooper's first signing.