SCOTT FENWICK, the former Hartlepool United marksman, has hinted at a possible return to English football.

Since his Pools days Fenwick has had a one-year stint with York City and a brief spell back in the North-East with Darlington. He’s currently playing for Naxxar Lions in Malta and is not closing the door for a return in the future.

“I have some special memories with Hartlepool - the fans, the staff and the players,” said Fenwick, who is six months into a two-year deal and his club’s top scorer this season.

“I would always like to return there one day. It's a special club from top to bottom and I would love to see them back up the leagues. It breaks my heart to see them in the position they are.’’

Fenwick will always remain known for his opening goal over Exeter City, which helped the club retain their Football League status for 2016/17. But these days he plays his football professionally in the Maltese Premier League, swapping North East for the sunswept coastal town of Naxxar.

Fenwick has regained his confidence in front of goal; scoring six goals in 11 appearances so far this season which has prompted a desire to return to English football.

“The plan is to just keep scoring goals and see where it takes me,” said Fenwick. “It's been an amazing experience out here but I do miss England.”

Fenwick’s year with York City was plagued by an injury sustained after pre-season, which meant the striker was restricted to only 887 minutes during the whole campaign – a statistic he has replicated with Naxxar Lions in only 10 games.

“If you look at pre-season at York, I played every game and scored eight goals. I went into the season feeling positive and fresh, we had five points from three games and we were unbeaten.” explained Fenwick.

“When Gary Mills came in and the standard of players increased I felt I would get more opportunities to score goals.

“However I became even more of a bit-part, sometimes making appearances in the 87th-90th minute of games. I wasn't given much of an opportunity to help the boys avoid relegation.”

Fenwick is now playing at a level in which there is the chance to play in European competitions, but said there’s a mixed bag of teams in the top tier of Maltese football.

“The standard is similar to League Two and National League in my opinion,” added Fenwick.

“The fourth-placed team in my league beat Hearts in the Europa League qualifiers last summer and a mid-table team this term beat West Ham.”

“The tempo and passing of the football is a lot slower. The games are far more tactical and technical compared to the physicality of England.”

He added: “This year was a fresh start, playing games in the sun really brought a smile back to my face - when any player is happy it will show on the pitch.

“I do love a top goal scorer award at the end of the season. When I start games I always believe I’ll get a chance to hit the net - especially in and around the box.’’