THREE Hartlepool United players have extended their stays as one edged closer to the exit door.

Days after goalkeeper Jim Provett pledged his future to Pool after signing a new contract, Gavin Strachan has signed a long-term deal, while Joel Porter and Dimitrios Konstantopoulos have put pen to paper on contracts to keep them at Victoria Park until the end of the season

Adam Boyd's future, however, looks to be elsewhere after he returned from his loan spell at Boston nine pounds overweight.

Playmaker Strachan signed for Pool at the start of the season, scored in the opening day win at Peterborough and has not missed a game since.

He has been instrumental in establishing Pool in the top ten in Division Two, and boss Neale Cooper said: "He has proved this season he is a good player and I am sure there is still more to come from him."

Cooper is less impressed with Boyd, though the striker has impressed Boston boss Neil Thompson, who is likely to try to sign him permanently, and Cooper is unlikely to turn down the offer.

The Pool boss fumed: "I like the boys to go out on loan and show me what they can do - but this is not on.

"He should have gone there with the attitude he will show me what he can do and come back fighting fit. What is this showing me? Does he really want to be here?"

Cooper is the third Pool manager after Chris Turner and Mike Newell unable to transform Boyd's potential into genuine ability.

Meanwhile, Australian international Porter will stay at Pool until the end of the season.

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