Hartlepool United make double signing with midfielder Nicky Featherstone and winger Sidney Schmeltz

Holding midfielder Featherstone has signed after training with Pools this week while Dutch offensive player Schmeltz has put pen to paper on a short-term contract after playing for the reserves in midweek.

Featherstone had been without a permanent club since his summer release by League One Walsall.

Murray had told SportMail this week of his need to bring in players – and fast – with free agents of particular interest given he already has five loan players at the club.

Featherstone had started this season at League One Scunthorpe United.

The 26-year-old joined the Iron after impressing on trial, signing non-contract terms at Glanford Park and was on the bench for their Capital One Cup second round clash with Reading.

But his deal was cancelled, leaving the Goole-born player to find a new club.

Featherstone had started his career with his local team, Hull City, making 16 first team appearances, as well as spending two on spells with Grimsby Town.

He moved to Hereford in the summer of 2010, playing 72 times for the Bulls, scoring his one career goal in the process, in a 3-1 win at Torquay in February 2011.

Featherstone moved on to Walsall, making 55 appearances in League One for the Saddlers, of which 15 matches were starts last season.

Murray also added Schmeltz to his squad after impressing on trial this week.

The Pools boss knew the 25-year-old from his time as Oldham’s assistant boss, Schmeltz made 17 appearances for the Latics last season before moving on to Shrewsbury, where he played three times.

Schmeltz played for Willem II Tilburg, before spending a season each at Almere City, Sparta Rotterdam and SC Veendam before joining Oldham.

He joined Pools on trial this week alongside ex-Boro keeper James Montgomery and former Shrews midfielder Steven Leslie.

Schmeltz had some bright moments in the 2-1 Durham Cup exit at West Auckland, starting on the wing before playing the last 15 minutes through the middle.