Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses Lorne Bickley signing and potential pre-season friendly with Jersey Bulls

Bickley signed a short-term deal at Pools following a successful trial spell from Jersey Bulls.

The 22-year-old forward arrived at Victoria Park following a successful four-year spell in the USA. He broke a long-standing scoring record by netting over 20 goals for Wilmington University during their Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference campaign last season.

Bickley’s college commitments across the Atlantic prevented him from making a competitive appearance for the Bulls, who recently strolled to the Combined Counties Division One title with 11 games remaining.

With the National League season up in the air amid coronavirus concerns, it’s unclear when the young striker will get the chance to make his Pools debut as Challinor organises potential friendly matches.

“He’ll come into the squad and be involved dependent on numbers and things,” Challinor said. “We’ll hopefully arrange a game next week for him and a few others who need the game time.

“In training, he’s shown some really good stuff, it’s a good fit for both parties. He’s scored goals wherever he has been and that’s something we need to always add to the team.

“He can commit to full-time football, his girlfriend is at Liverpool University. It’s a real opportunity for him and moving forward, having links over in Jersey will be good. We’re hoping to go over there in pre-season.

“Hopefully he can make an impact for us between now and the end of the season.”