Nicky Featherstone agrees new deal at Hartlepool United

Nicky Featherstone during the Vanarama National League match between Dover Athletic and Hartlepool United at the Crabble Athletic Ground, Dover on Saturday 11th January 2020. (Credit: Matt Bristow | MI News)

The 31-year-old made his 250th appearance for Pools at Victoria Park last month, shortly before the National League season was suspended and subsequently cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, the club is making use of the Government’s furlough scheme which will cover 80% of wages, up to £2,500 a month while there is no football taking place.

But Hartlepool have still been able to tie down one of their most experienced players and a key performer from the 2019-20 campaign in Featherstone.

The former Hull City midfielder has started all 24 matches since Dave Challinor took charge as manager, scoring four times – a career joint-high for a single season.

On Featherstone’s new deal, Challinor said: “Feaths has signed an extension and will be with the club next season. He’s been terrific since we came in and is and will be integral to what we want to do and what our ambitions are for next season.”

He becomes the eighth player contracted at Victoria Park past the summer.

Ben Killip, Ryan Donaldson, Gus Mafuta, Luke Molyneux, Aidan Keena, Gavan Holohan and Brad Young have already been tied down.

A new two-year deal for Holohan was announced on the eve of what would prove to be Pools’ final match of the season at Sutton United last month.

17-year-old goalkeeper Young has reportedly been subject to of a six-figure transfer bid by Chelsea amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

It is believed that Featherstone’s new deal was tied up prior to the cancellation of the season as the club looks to navigate the challenges caused by the season’s cancellation and a loss of matchday, commercial and hospitality income.

The regular National League season may be over but clubs have been consulted over whether the play-offs could still potentially go ahead in order to allow two teams to be promoted to the EFL.

It still remains unclear if promotions or relegations or relegations will be decided or if the season will follow suit with steps 3-7 of the non-league pyramid and be voided.