Former Sunderland and Blackpool defender David Ferguson off to a flyer at Hartlepool United with some impressive early season stats

The 26-year-old arrived at Victoria Park from York City over the summer with a strong reputation as an attacking left-back after notching 15 assists during the 2019-20 campaign in the National League North.

Four games into the new season with Pools and Ferguson already has two assists to his name and his crossing stats are among the best in the division.

Despite playing a game fewer than most other players, he has attempted more crosses than anyone else in the division with 46.

Mark Kitching, Ferguson’s predecessor at Pools, has attempted the second-most crosses in the division so far this season with 29 in five matches.

But with just nine of Ferguson’s attempted crosses finding a teammate, there is still room for improvement as manager Dave Challinor hopes to tighten things up in the attacking third.

The Pools boss described Ferguson as 'an absolute dream’ following the goalless draw against Bromley last week

During that match, Ferguson put in 20 deliveries from the left-flank, an average of one every four and a half minutes – a season-high by some margin.

When discussing the left-back’s potential at Pools, Challinor told The Mail: “Fergie will be a really good foil for us, one thing you want as a centre-forward is someone who gets balls into the box and Fergie is always going to deliver.

"He keeps the game really simple, has good delivery and when he gets in those forward areas, he doesn’t have a second thought than looking to put the ball into a good area.

"So if you put yourself between the sticks this season with Fergie on the pitch, you’ll have a good opportunity to score because of the quality he’s got.

"That's what I want to see our forward players do.”

The Hartlepool manager has also challenged Ferguson to get amongst the goals himself as he added: “He scored twice in pre-season so if he can get five over the season that would be great, but I’ve got no doubt he’ll create a lot more than he scores.”

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