Defender Carl Magnay has joined Spennymoor Town after leaving Hartlepool United, fulfilling his desire for part-time football.

Magnay, 30, made 120 appearances for Pools after joining in 2015 from Grimsby Town.

The defender penned an open letter to Hartlepool fans last week, declaring his wish to switch to part-time football.

After securing a professional contract with Premier League club Chelsea in 2007, Magnay suffered a series of long term injuries which ultimately saw him move to his native Gateshead in 2012 having made no senior appearances for The Blues.

After almost 70 appearances for The Heed, the 30-year-old won six individual awards for Grimsby in the 2014/15 campaign, including Supporters’ Player of the Year.

After signing for Moors, Magnay said: “To be honest I am lucky there is a club like Spennymoor within the region.

“I’ve always been interested in what’s happening here so it was a perfect fit for me.

Carl Magnay

“There are lads that travel long distances to come and play for the club and that is testament to the progression Spennymoor has made over the past few years.

“I’ve watched the club for a number of years and I have a lot of friends who are in the squad.

“I’ve always been interested in what’s happening here so it was a perfect fit for me.

“It will allow me to pursue other opportunities I have been given outside football such as coaching and scouting, and I am playing at a good level with good players, so I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Moors manager Jason Ainsley spoke highly of Magnay following the defender’s signing: “He’s a leader having been captain at multiple clubs he has been at.

“He can play in a multitude of positions such as right back, centre back and centre midfield, so he will add a lot of quality to the side.

“He’s trained full time since he was young so it’s important that he quickly adjusts to part time football.”