Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor explains why he signed Tom Crawford following his release from Notts County

Pools fought off strong interest to secure the signing of the 21-year-old midfielder following his release from Notts County.

Crawford came close to signing for Hartlepool before Challinor’s arrival last season but talks failed to materialise.

Now a deal has finally been struck for the England C international, who previously played under the Pools boss while on loan at AFC Fylde during the 2018-19 campaign.

“Tom is obviously someone who I know well, he lives by me and I’ve kept in touch with him over the past couple of seasons,” Challinor told The Mail.

“He’s one who, once the opportunity arisen, we wanted to bring to the club. There was some interest to bring him in last season and something nearly happened before I joined.

“Obviously with Gus [Mafuta] going out, it allowed the opportunity to bring another player in that midfield area.”

In terms of what Crawford will bring to the side, Challinor added: “We’ve got to tick boxes and he’s able to do that given that he can play as a deep midfielder and more advanced if we need him to.

“He fits around the profile of what I want from our midfield players in terms of his ability and what he can bring to the side.”

And Crawford himself has admitted that Challinor’s presence at Pools was a big factor in him wanting to join the club.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer before, he’s driven and I like the way he plays,” he told the club website.

“It suits my style of play so I’m happy to be back working with him. I give my all on the pitch, I’ve got a good range of passing, I like to get on the ball and keep things ticking over or put my foot on the ball if we need to slow things down.

“The fans are loud and passionate here, I’ve been here a few times and always hear them cheering over at the far side [the North West Corner], so I just can’t wait to get going now.”

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