Ex-Sunderland midfielder Adam Bale on first team frustrations at Hartlepool United that led to Whitby Town loan move

Last week, the 21-year-old joined Northern Premier side Whitby Town on loan move until the new year.

His debut for The Seasiders came in a 2-1 away defeat to rivals Scarborough Athletic over the weekend.

And despite the result not going his way, Bale was just happy to get some minutes under his belt.

“I got thrown in the deep end a little bit for the derby against Scarborough,” he admitted on BBC Tees Sport Extra.

“The fans gave me a bit of grief on the sidelines but it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to the next game.

“Some of them knew I played for Hartlepool so I was getting stick because of that!”

Bale has been praised for his work-rate and attitude since joining Pools but has often been left frustrated by the lack of first team opportunities with just three brief substitute appearances since joining from Sunderland last season.

And new manager Dave Challinor made the decision to get the youngster out on loan quickly to get him match sharp for the new year.

“The new gaffer came in and said the best thing for me was to get out on loan and get some games because my game time has been limited this year,” Bale added.

“The [lack of] game time has been frustrating but coming out on loan getting those 90-minutes after working so hard through the week is really rewarding.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating but I love football and I’m coming here to play football with a great set of lads so it doesn’t feel like a job.There’s loads of competition at Hartlepool and they’re doing well at the moment.

“Even at the weekend, Nicky [Featherstone] scored a screamer which is great to see and I feel like I can learn a lot from the experience we have in midfield. To get in the squad, I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and impress.”