Dave Challinor challenging defender Aaron Cunningham to deliver a big season with new Hartlepool United contract set to be confirmed

The 22-year-old centre-back is the only player contracted to Pools last season to have agreed an extension following the shutdown of the 2019-20 National League season.

Gavan Holohan and Nicky Featherstone agreed new deals just before the season was suspended back in March, meaning Pools had just eight players contracted beyond this summer.

But with Aidan Keena set to leave, Pools will have just seven players tied down – though that is expected to change very shortly.

Cunningham’s new deal could be announced at the start of August alongside deals agreed in principle for Gary Liddle and Timi Odusina as well as the expected moves for Mark Shelton and Rhys Oates.

The arrival of Liddle and Odusina on loan at Pools last season ultimately forced Cunningham to go out on loan to National League North side Blyth Spartans for the second half of the campaign.

But Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor has been impressed with the defender following his return.

"Aaron has signed and it’s all done, it’s been agreed for a while it’s just a case with furlough we’ve not been able to announce anything,” he told The Mail.

“He’s back training now and looks in good shape to be fair. He’s got the bit between his teeth and wants to push to be starting and having a positive season.

"I’ve had an honest conversation with Aaron and told him it’s important this year that he uses the opportunity to stake his claim if you like.

“If that doesn’t happen, we’ve had a chat and we’re both on the same page in terms of this year he needs to play, 30, 35 games and if he can’t do that with us then we’ll make sure he does get those games somewhere on loan and he’s totally on board with that.

"The chance is his to come in and he’s come back in good shape which is a great sign.

"For him to say ‘I want to be the starting centre-back’ – he’s only been in a few days but he’s done really well.”

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