Hartlepool United sign keeper, Gateshead’s former Newcastle United product Adam Bartlett

Chief executive Russ Green welcomes Adam Bartlett to Pools. Picture by FRANK REID

Moore wanted to bring in an experienced pair of hands as back up to major summer signing, Trevor Carson.

Bartlett spent three seasons at Gateshead and some Conference watchers rated him as one of the best goalies in that division.

It was a shock that the Heed released the 29-year-old at the end of last season and Moore was thrilled to bring him to Victoria Park.

Moore said: “It was a big surprise but a massive thing for us.

“We were looking for a number two and [goalkeeping coach] Tony Caig recommended him.

“We know all about him. We need that experience, it’s very rare to get someone like him.”

Experience is the key word - the Newcastle-born stopper has a wealth of it.

After being a member of the Newcastle United Academy, he represented the Reserves before moving on to Blyth.

He played 114 times for Spartans, ahead of spells at Kidderminster Harriers (45 appearances) while he played 110 times for Hereford United in the Football League before joining Gateshead in 2012.

Bartlett, who stands 6ft tall, made 130 appearances for the Conference side.