Stockport midfielder Leon McSweeney has joined League One rivals Hartlepool after his contact at Edgeley Park expired.

The Irishman, 26, joined cash-strapped County from hometown club Cork City in 2007 and became regular member of their side, scoring five goals this season.

His departure comes in the wake of Stockport's slide into administration and follows Tommy Rowe's move to Peterborough earlier this week.