Nathan Thomas signs Hartlepool United new and improved contract

The attacking ace, who joined Pools during the January transfer window from Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee, has put pen to paper on a fresh deal.

Pools boss Craig Hignett had already done the same with defender Matthew Bates as he looks to reward his in-form players.

It is the second bit of business done this afternoon by Hignett after signing the highly-admired defender Toto Nsiala on a free transfer from newly-promoted Grimsby Town.

The deal for Thomas is just as significant at the other end of the field.

The former Sunderland youth product has been a superb acquisition, playing 21 times, operating to the left of leading scorer Billy Paynter.

Not only has the 21-year-old been a creator for Pools, he has added goals to his game, scoring five since his move.

“Nathan has got all the ability in the world – now we need to get that consistency from him,” said Hignett on www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk.

“I think you saw what he’s capable of towards the end of the last season – the Morecambe game stands out where he was almost unplayable in the first half and the game was won.