Goalkeeper Nick Hayes not affected by Hartlepool United future doubt
Hartlepool United goalkeeper Nick Hayes has assessed his future as he enters the final weeks of his contract.
Goalkeeper Nick Hayes has addressed his future with Hartlepool United after experiencing mixed fortunes during his time at the Prestige Group Stadium.
The former Ipswich Town and Barnet stopper joined Pools from National League rivals Southend United in January as one of a number of additions following Landon Smith’s successful takeover at the club. After marking his debut with a clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Altrincham, Hayes went on to make 19 consecutive appearances - but was not in the matchday squad for Saturday’s defeat at Boston United as Nicky Featherstone’s managerial reign came to an end with a loss in Lincolnshire.
A number of players within the Pools ranks may well have made their final appearance for the club at the Jakemans Stadium as they await firm decisions over their future with the club - and Featherstone’s departure and the wait for news over the appointment of his successor has casted further cloud over the situation.
Hayes is one of several players who find themselves without a contract heading into what is sure to be another summer of major change at Pools and that is a new experience for the 27-year-old. However, he admitted he understands why such a situation is commonplace in the National League and stressed he has not been affected by the wait for news over what could lie ahead.
He said: “Luckily, I’ve not had that scenario myself. This is the first time it’s happened - but it’s a normal thing in this league. People don’t want to hand out long-term contracts and it’s understandable why they don’t want to do that with clubs uncertain on futures, what league they’re going to be in and different bits and pieces like that. But you just have to get used to it and get on with it. It’s still the same goal to try and perform as well as you can to earn new contracts and move up the pyramid, whether it’s with the team you’re with or with another team. I don’t think it affects me in terms of what I’m trying to do and what I’m trying to achieve.”