Thanks, Pete

PETER Hartley is to join newly-promoted Bristol Rovers.

The central defender will join up with his old Hartlepool team mate Darrell Clarke, now the Rovers manager, when he officially joins Rovers on July 1.

Rovers were automatically promoted to Sky Bet League One last season, and despite Argyle offering a contract renewal to Hartley, he has been given the opportunity to ply his trade as a higher level. 

Argyle fans will have warm memories of Peter, who played 96 games in his two-year spell at Home Park, scoring eight goals. 

All but one of those appearances came alongside Curtis Nelson in the heart of Argyle’s defence – and all but two featured Luke McCormick in goal. As a triumvirate, the three men functioned well together on and off the pitch. With Luke as club captain, Curtis as team captain and Pete as vice-captain, they led by example. 

Only one team shipped fewer goals than Argyle’s 35 in Peter’s first season at the club, and the 44 conceded in 2016-17 still placed Argyle as one of the meaner rearguards in the division. 

The last of Peter’s eight Argyle goals came against Portsmouth in the play-off semi-final second leg. His injury-time far post header sent the Pilgrims to Wembley, and the Green Army into raptures. 

Peter will surely be remembered fondly by the Home Park faithful for his determined attitude and committed displays in the green and white. 

Thanks, Pete – and good luck.