Dave Challinor discusses transfer dealings, deadlines and the constantly moving situation at Hartlepool United

Mark Shelton during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Stockport County at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 25th January 2020. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

With six incomings and four outgoings, United manager Dave Challinor is fairly content with where his squad is currently at.

Timi Odusina, Macaulaey Southam-Hales, Rob Harker, Mark Shelton and Gary Liddle agreeing loan deals until the end of the season and Aidan Keena signing a permanent deal.

Nicke Kabamba and Peter Kioso left to join Kilmarnock and Luton Town respectively with Pools making upwards of £100,000 from the deals. In addition, Jason Kennedy joined Spennymoor Town and Niko Muir moved to Hampton and Richmond Borough on loan on ‘deadline day’.

Loan signings Timi Odusina and Macauley Southam-Hales.

The current Pools squad already looks quite different to the one Challinor inherited three months ago and he still hasn’t ruled out any further dealings over the next two months.

“I think it’s a constantly moving situation,” said the Hartlepool manager.

“We’ve gone from having lots of numbers to no numbers to having lots again.

“We thought it was an opportunity for Neeks and JK to get out and get some game time. Neeks scored on Saturday as well which will do him the world of good.

“JK is a month loan and with Neeks it’s until the end of the season in theory but we’ve got a recall clause so if we do leave ourselves short a little bit then that’s something that we can deal with.

“Although the window has shut for Football League teams, it hasn’t shut for us and won’t until March 30th for us with the player registration deadline.”

Challinor is also preparing to give some of his existing players an opportunity to impress with the likes of Josh Hawkes and Luke Molyneux returning from injury.

“If things become available and we look at next season then we’ll see where we’re at,” he said regarding further additions.

“But there are lads in there who are wanting opportunities and to be fair, through no fault of their own, haven’t had those opportunities so that will potentially change in the coming week and they can go and show me and the supporters what they can do.”