Hartlepool United attacker Luke Charman looks set to miss remainder of season after being stretchered off during Solihull Moors win

The attacker, a surprise omission from the starting XI in the West Midlands, went down with what's thought to be a serious ankle injury just 15 minutes after his introduction from the bench at the weekend. After jumping for a challenge with a Solihull defender, Charman fell awkwardly and looked to be in agonising pain as he received treatment, which included oxygen, before being carried from the pitch.

The injury could hardly have come at a worse time for Pools or the popular attacker. Charman, who has been one of his side's most impressive performers this term, is out of contract at the end of the season and would surely have been a shoo-in to be offered a new deal over the summer. If, indeed, the frontman is now set for a long spell on the sidelines, that could cause Pools to think twice, although the club might also be set to follow the example set by Tranmere Rovers, who offered experienced striker Connor Jennings a new contract immediately after he was ruled out by a serious knee injury.

Pools, meanwhile, look almost certain to be without the 28-year-old, who has scored three goals in 26 appearances this season, for the remainder of the campaign. Although there are plenty of fans who would like to see more from Charman in terms of end product - the attacker has managed just seven goals in 66 games since signing from AFC Fylde in the summer of 2024 - his size, running power and combative approach make him a real handful for National League defenders even when he isn't at his best.

In many ways, Charman has come to be seen as the archetypal Hartlepool United player, full of passion, grit and spirit. While he might not always have as much quality as supporters would hope, his willing running and impressive work rate have made him a popular figure on the terraces.

Having started his second season as a Pools player on the fringes of the side under Simon Grayson, the former Newcastle, Darlington and Rochdale forward forced his way back into contention and scored a fine goal on his first start of the campaign, a 1-1 draw with Boston United towards the beginning of September. Since then, the versatile frontman, who can operate on either flank or through the middle, has established himself as a regular in the starting XI despite missing almost two months before Christmas due to bone bruising on his right foot.

Away from the pitch, Charman has endured a challenging period and the attacker scored an emotional goal during the statement win over National League leaders Rochdale on December 30, the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of his best friend and fellow footballer Michael Newberry, who died suddenly on his 27th birthday in 2024. After slamming home what turned out to be the winning goal against Dale, an emotional Charman looked to the heavens before later dedicating his strike to "my mate Michael" in a heartfelt post-match interview.

Having been taken for scans after Saturday's dramatic win, Pools are still awaiting the results that will allow them to determine the extent of Charman's injury but it appears extremely likely that the attacker looks set to be ruled out for an extended period of time as Featherstone's side begin their preparations for Wednesday night's visit of rivals Carlisle.

"We're waiting on a scan but it looks as if it will be his season done," Featherstone said.

"It's unfortunate. For me, Luke is as effective a player as any we've got in this squad; I love him for home games as well.

"He'll be a big miss for us. The most important thing now is to help Charms in his rehab.

"I'm gutted for him and I'm gutted for us as a club, he'll be a big miss."

Your next Hartlepool United read: Nicky Featherstone has his say on futures of Danny Johnson and Nathan Ferguson