Plymouth sign former Exeter defender Hartridge
Alex Hartridge played 154 games in his first spell at Exeter City, before returning on loan last year to play a further 18 times
- Published
Plymouth Argyle have made former Exeter City central defender Alex Hartridge their first summer signing.
The 27-year-old will become a free agent on 1 July when his contract at Burton Albion expires and he has agreed a two-year deal at Home Park.
The former Wycombe Wanderers defender came up through Exeter's academy ranks and played 154 games for Argyle's Devon rivals before leaving in the summer of 2024.
He returned to St James Park on loan during the second half of the 2024-25 season and made a further 18 appearances in League One.
"He had a good season for Burton Albion, and can strengthen us in more than one position," Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley told the club website, external.
"He has some attributes in areas that we have identified that we can improve, and I'm delighted at how early we have managed to get him on board."
Hartridge, who can also play at left-back as well as in central defence, replaces Brendan Galloway, who was released by the club last month.
"Good left-sided players are sometimes hard to come by, and at 27 he has a great deal of experience, while also being in the prime of his career," added director of football Derek Adams.
"He knows the area, will complement the players we already have, and I'm pleased we have made him our first signing this close season."
Hazard leaves Home Park
Conor Hazard joined Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee ahead of their first season back in the Championship
Meanwhile Plymouth Argyle have announced that Northern Ireland goalkeeper Conor Hazard will leave the club at the end of his contract.
The 28-year-old played 91 times for the Pilgrims over a three-year spell after joining from Scottish side Celtic in the summer of 2023.
He was first choice for much of his first season with the Pilgrims as Michael Cooper recovered from a serious knee injury.
But he missed four months of his second season after undergoing ankle surgery while he missed the start of this season following a knee problem picked up while on international duty.
His final Argyle appearance was the 2-1 win over Port Vale on 25 April where he was sent off after five minutes for handling the ball outside his area.
