Dave Challinor backs Joe Grey to have 'a real impact' at Hartlepool United after agreeing first professional deal

The teenage forward has been training with Pools since the start of pre-season and finally agreed personal terms this week.

Although he’s yet to make his senior debut for Hartlepool, Grey was in and around the first team last season, featuring on the bench in the FA Cup ties against Exeter City and Oxford United.

And after a promising start to pre-season training, Challinor is prepared to give the youngster the opportunity to impress in United's upcoming friendly matches.

“Joe is one who has been in and around the first team since the back end of last season so we were obviously keen to get something done,” Challinor told The Mail.

"He’s been back in with us since the start of pre-season and he’s done really really well but we’ve got to be careful with him.

“He’s super fit and he’s super keen to prove himself and we’ll do everything we can but we’ve got to recognise he’s only a baby, he’s just turned 17 and since his 17th birthday in May, we’ve been trying to sort a contract.

"Things have obviously gone a bit slower because of everything that has been going on but looking at it through pre-season, he can absolutely be part of our first-team squad this season just because of his tenacity.”

Pools currently have 17 players signed up ahead of the new season with Grey one of just three forwards in the side.

But with more incomings expected, there is no real pressure to thrust Grey into the spotlight.

"As I’ve said before, he’s like a young Luke James in terms of how he plays – he’s got ability and he’s a goalscorer,” Challinor added.

"We’ll see where we go with him, but for us, there’s no massive expectation on him, we’ll see how we best see fit to develop him over the next six to 12 months and monitor his progress.

"If he carries on the way he has since coming back in pre-season, I think he could end up having a real impact for us.”

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