Dave Challinor hoping to extend former Bolton Wanderers full-back Joe Bunney's deal at Hartlepool United following 'brilliant' debut in Solihull Moors defeat

The 27-year-old made his Pools debut in Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Solihull Moors less than 24-hours after signing a short term deal at the club.

And with a hectic festive schedule coming up and a small squad of players available, Challinor feels bringing Bunney to Hartlepool is a smart piece of business as he hopes to extend the versatile defender’s stay beyond the new year.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up and we knew Joe was available,” said the Hartlepool manger.

“[David Ferguson] has got a little niggle but nothing too serious so Joe coming in was a no-brainer with his flexibility. He’s a great pro with brilliant quality.

"He’s got a real calmness and quality with what he does, his experience will be invaluable over the coming games. It’s a short term deal but hopefully we can extend that longer.”

Bunney had been playing in the Northern Premier Premier Division with Matlock Town during the early part of the campaign and made just two appearances during an injury-hit spell at Bolton last season.

“He’s a little bit short fitness wise but he’s a really good pro,” Challinor added. "He’s technically very good with a great left-foot, he’s a good organiser even though he’s not a screamer, he uses his experience, he’s reliable and you can trust him.

"He’s all of those things and for someone who hasn’t played at that level of football for six-months, to get through the game the way he did on Tuesday night was brilliant.”

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