Here’s what Hartlepool United could do in Nicky Featherstone’s absence

The virtually ever-present midfielder has been labelled by Dave Challinor as one of Pools’ most important players, reflected by the fact that he’s started every single National League match since the Pools boss took charge.

But with Pools preparing for a long trip to Dover Athletic at the weekend, Featherstone is a doubt with a knee ligament injury.

The 32-year-old remains ‘touch and go’ as to whether he’ll be involved and Challinor faces the possibility of being without the influential midfielder for the first time.

You have to go back to a 3-1 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge on 14 September 2019 to find the last time Featherstone wasn’t involved in a Hartlepool United match.

Here are the options Pools could explore in the midfielder’s absence…

Tom Crawford

The most obvious replacement for Featherstone – 21-year-old Tom Crawford has made 15 appearances for Pools in all competitions so far this season, scoring once.

Crawford hasn’t started for Pools so far in 2021 and will be itching to get back involved in the starting line-up.

But Featherstone’s role requires him to sit in front of the defence and take hold of the ball under pressure. Previously when Crawford has come into the side, the similarly attributed Mark Shelton comes out.

The pair have never started a game together – could Saturday be the first?

Luke Williams

It’s great to have Luke Williams fit and available for selection for Pools. He could come into the side in Featherstone’s place but won’t take up the same role as his teammate.

With Gavan Holohan suspended, it’s far more likely to see Williams feature higher up the pitch in an attacking midfield role.

There’s a decent chance of him being involved on Saturday, but more as a direct replacement for Holohan.

Ryan Donaldson

Featherstone has been keeping Donaldson’s captain’s armband warm in his absence so he could potentially come into the side and reclaim it at Dover.

The 29-year-old hasn’t started a National League game for Pools in two months and has recently been nursing a heel injury.

But his ability to play almost anywhere across the midfield or attack makes him a useful option to come into the side.

Gary Liddle

Gary Liddle is back from injury and available for selection. Although he’s better known as a centre-back these days, he certainly has plenty of experience playing in the midfield.

The 34-year-old would also be a welcome defensive head in the middle of the park should he be playing alongside the likes of Shelton, Crawford or Williams.

But after over three months without playing, to throw him into the starting XI in a position he hasn’t played in quite a while would be a big ask.

Someone else?

With such uncertainty surrounding the National League season, Dave Challinor has ruled out any permanent or loan deals until the end of the season.

But Pools could still potentially bring someone in on a short-term loan or non-contract basis.

With the club not restricted to a transfer window, they are still able to complete loans for EFL players. But they would have to act quickly.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

We’ve launched a new transfer window special offer for readers to get 20% off our subscription package.

Use the promo code TRANSFER20 to sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor