Livingston defender departs following injury-hit stint in West Lothian

Livingston defender Tom Parkes has completed a move to English National League outfit Hartlepool United, ending an injury-plagued spell in Scotland.

The 31-year-old was signed in the summer of 2021 primarily to replace departing centre-back Jon Guthrie. He netted in the first minute of his debut but a serious knee injury ruled him out for 16 months and he struggled to regain fitness following his comeback.

Parkes started just 11 league games for the club and made 27 appearances in total, scoring three times.

He becomes the second centre-back to depart during the transfer window after Luiyi de Lucas left the club due to homesickness last week.

Livi boss David Martindale said: “I wish Tom nothing but success. His time at Livingston has been hampered by long term injuries which has been a real shame for both him and the club. He is a top professional and gives you everything every day and will be a huge miss around the club.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a individual and would never have stood in the way of him being able to be closer to his family.”

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