Former Newcastle United defender Jamie Sterry open to staying at Hartlepool United in the National League

The former Newcastle United defender would be free to leave Pools this month with the Football League transfer window open. Sterry is currently dual-registered with Pools and Northern Premier Premier side South Shields as he works on his fitness.

Hartlepool have won all four of the games they’ve played with the 25-year-old in the side, a run of form that has seen them climb to second in the National League table.

Manager Dave Challinor is hoping to secure Sterry’s services for the rest of the National League season as he aims to mount a promotion challenge.

And Sterry – who played 12 times for Newcastle and had spells on loan in the Football League with Coventry City and Crewe Alexandra – is open to staying at Pools.

“If we can sort something out, I’d be very happy,” he admitted. “I’ve just got to keep doing my job which is playing football on the pitch and I’ll let other people deal with what they need to deal with.

“As long as I can keep performing, keep pushing on and improving myself and help the side keep picking up results then I’m very happy which I am here. I’m at home which is a plus so we’ve just got to keep playing.”

He added: “I’d say the National League is almost the same as League Two and similar to some teams in League One.

“It’s a big jump when you’re talking Championship and Premier League but from League One to the National League I wouldn’t say there’s that much difference really.”

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