Former Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale defender Joe Bunney leaves Hartlepool United as he eyes Football League move

The 27-year-old left-back arrived at Pools at the end of November and has since made five appearances in all competitions for Dave Challinor’s side.

Bunney’s time at Victoria Park was always likely to be short-term as he looked to regain fitness with the view of returning to the Football League.

While the former Bolton Wanderers defender is yet to find a new club, he has been left out of Pools’ last two matchday squads with Challinor confirming that the player is now training away from the club. Yet a potential return isn’t completely off the cards just yet.

"Joe isn’t with us, or rather he is and he isn’t because the plan with Joe was always going to be short term and now he’s away training with other clubs,” Challinor told The Mail.

"That doesn’t absolutely close the door on him coming back here but from our perspective, he came in to do a job for us and play some games and he’s done that.

“He wanted to prove his fitness and get an opportunity to go elsewhere so that’s where he is at the moment – that’s just the current situation with him at least.”

The uncertainty over the National League season has impacted Pools’ transfer business this month with Challinor hoping to secure defensive cover should the season be allowed to continue.

Meetings between the National League and DCMS have been taking place this week in an attempt to secure an acceptable funding package and protect clubs for the remainder of the season while matches are being played behind closed doors.

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