Hartlepool United striker Jake Cassidy completes move back to Maidstone on loan

Cassidy, 25, spent three months with the Stones earlier this season, before he was recalled by Richard Money in December.

The striker scored against Maidstone in his first game back at Hartlepool on January 5 and also played 90 minutes against Harrogate two weeks later.

Yet it soon became clear Cassidy wanted to return to The Gallagher Stadium, and the striker was expected to rejoin Maidstone on a permanent deal last month.

However, the player's wages proved a stumbling block.

"Jake spoke to Maidstone and indicated to them he wanted to go back there so we didn’t stand in his way," said Pools boss Craig Hignett at the end of January.

"Maidstone have now decided they can’t fully afford him so they are wiping their feet with it a bit so we have to wait and see."

The two clubs have now finalised terms on a fresh loan deal which will run until the start of May.