New Hartlepool United boss Paul Murray brings in two signings

Hartlepool United have signed Nicky Featherstone and Sidney Schmeltz to help their attempts to climb off the bottom of the Football League.

Pacey winger Schultz, who worked with new Pools manager Paul Murray at Oldham Athletic, joins on a short-term contract after impressing on trial this week.

Featherstone moves to Victoria Park after failing to make an appearance while on a week-to-week deal with League One strugglers Scunthorpe United.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who featured 29 times for Walsall last season, has since been playing for Harrogate Town in the Conference North.

The pair become Murray's first recruits since he was appointed successor to Colin Cooper last week, with Hartlepool rooted to the foot of League Two having won just once in their last nine games.