Ex-Gateshead defender on Dave Challinor's Hartlepool United radar

Dave Challinor is keeping his options open at left-back – with ex-Gateshead defender Scott Barrow on his radar.
Scott Barrow in action for Gateshead.Scott Barrow in action for Gateshead.
Scott Barrow in action for Gateshead.

The Pools boss made five signings on a busy Saturday with Josh MacDonald, Mark Shelton, Timi Odusina, Gary Liddle and Rhys Oates all arriving at The Vic.

Attention will now turn to strengthening other areas of the squad, with Pools in need of a new left-back after Mark Kitching left to join Stockport County.

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A shortlist of potential left-backs has already been drawn up which includes familiar target Barrow following his release from National League North play-off hopefuls Gateshead.

Talks with the defender are yet to take place but Challinor has confirmed his interest.

Challinor told the Mail: “We definitely need options at left-back and a bit of a utility player along that left side, whether it’s a left-sided centre back who can play at left back or a flexible left-midfielder, we need some balance and we have some loan options but we’ll have people in through pre-season to have a look at, if we can’t get something done with the potential targets we have on a permanent basis.

"At the moment, we’ve not spoken to Scott.

"He’s been released by Gateshead and we’re not sure what his circumstances are but it’s one that may happen further down the line if he wants to stay local but it’s not one that we’ve spoken to as of yet,” added Challinor.

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After a busy Saturday, Pools now have 13 players on permanent deals ahead of the new National League campaign kicking off in early October.

The Pools squad returned to training last week and Challinor will continue to look to strengthen his squad over the coming weeks. Pools last played in March.

Challinor also hopes to add Fleetwood Town defender Macauley Southam-Hales but the Pools boss admits he may have to be patient to land the defender.

The 24-year-old Welsh full-back enjoyed a successful loan stint at Victoria Park last season and Challinor is keen to see him return.

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