Jake Cassidy addresses talk of his Hartlepool United exit

The future of Jake Cassidy remains in the balance - but should no acceptable offer be tabled for the striker he is set to stay at Hartlepool United.
What does the future hold for Jake Cassidy?What does the future hold for Jake Cassidy?
What does the future hold for Jake Cassidy?

Cassidy was made available for transfer at the start of the summer, and despite some tentative interest, particularly from the north of the border, no firm offer has been made for the former Wolves and Tranmere striker.

And as a result, the 25-year-old remains a part of manager Matthew Bates’ Pools plans for the National League campaign, even with the signing of Marcus Dinanga, Luke James and Niko Muir.

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Cassidy knows, though, that can all change with a phone call, text or email.

He’s not letting that uncertainty have an impact on his summer preparation though, as Tuesday nights’ goal and assist showed in the 4-0 victory at Shildon.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s friendly at Spennymoor Town, the frontman said: “I understand the reasons why I have been made available. Speaking to the gaffer I know where I stand.

“But that could all change if an offer comes in. If it does we will all obviously have to look at it.

“At the moment all I am concentrating on is getting fit.

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“It doesn’t take your eye off the ball as everyone, at this stage of the season, is just trying to get fit, wherever you are going to be playing your football.”

Burton Albion loan man Dinanga’s addition this week has led some punters to question whether the end is nigh for Cassidy at Pools.

The situation, though, has changed little.

And without a cash offer, Cassidy will stay at Pools for the final year of his deal.

Cassidy is excited by the competition for places in the forward areas - he welcomes it.

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“At the end of last season we were down to the bare bones - now we have options in all positions, which is always good,” said Cassidy.

“We are all having to fight for our place in the team, which is something that can only stand us in good stead.

“Everyone is pushing each other along ahead of the start of the season.”

He continued: “Luke is a player who played for Barrow last year and was banging goals in for fun.

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“Niko is unknown. But he looks like a very good player in training, from what we have seen. And hopefully he can become a very big player for us this season.”

Cassidy’s return at Dean Street after a hamstring problem was a positive one.

He led the line, won every header and even chipped in with a strike.

The player was happy to get back on the goals trail, so soon at the start of what he hopes will be an goal-laden season.

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“It’s always good to score goals, no matter where you are playing, or who,” he said.

“I could have had two, but the keeper parried it and it was good Luke James was there to score.

“We were definitely better in possession in the game and hopefully we can carry that on and hit the ground running.

“Everyone enjoys getting on the ball and playing nice football.

“At the moment this system and style is working and everyone is enjoying it.”