Bunney, who stands 6`5”, joins Pools after a short spell with Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division side Matlock Town, who he signed for in October.

The 27-year-old can play in a variety of positions and has considerable Football League experience.

He started out with NPL Premier Division outfit Lancaster City, scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances before joining Kendal Town, scoring 3 times in only 7 games.

Moves to Stockport County and Northwich Victoria followed before in 2013 he joined Rochdale on the back of netting 19 goals in 26 games for the Vics.

He was converted to a defensive position by Dale manager Keith Hill in a five-year stay at Spotland spanning 122 games before moving to Northampton Town.

He then went on loan to Blackpool and returned to Rochdale on loan before playing at Bolton Wanderers in 2019/20, being released in the summer of 2020.

Pools boss Dave Challinor told https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk: “I am delighted to sign Joe at what is a very busy period for ourselves. His quality, experience and flexibility to play in various positions will be a big plus to the squad. In the sessions he’s been with us you can already see that he’ll fit in seamlessly”.