Dover's star midfielder Nicky Deverdics has signed for League 2 Hartlepool United.

The 28-year-old was one of the players of the season in National League last season, scoring 14 goals from midfield as Dover recorded their highest ever finish and notching a league-high 18 assists.

Deverdics began his career as a trainee with hometown club Newcastle before spells with north east sides Gateshead and Bedlington Terriers.

He was part of Gretna's charge from Division 3 to the top flight in Scotland, making 26 SPL appearances, before a switch to Barnet where he spent two years, playing 51 times.

He enjoyed short stints at Icelandic club BI/Bolungravik and with TB Tvoroyri of the Faroe Islands before arriving on trial at Dover two years ago.

His contract at Crabble was up after their play-off semi-final defeat to Forest Green Rovers last month.

Pools boss Craig Hignett said: "Every time we’ve seen him play he’s been excellent and so have all the reports we have had on him.

“He’s the best player in the National League in a lot of people’s eyes; he’s got a great left foot, is very creative and he can make goals as well as score them.

“There were a few clubs in for him but we met him very early and tried to sell the club to him and we managed to convince him that this is the place for him.

“Nicky is very ambitious and he wants to join a club who are pushing and hopefully we can give him that platform here.”

A statement from Dover said: "We thank Nicky for his contribution during his two years at Crabble and wish him the best of luck back in the Football League."