NICKY FEATHERSTONE signed a new deal to stay at Hartlepool United – and admits next season can’t come around quickly enough.

The central midfielder has become a mainstay in Craig Hignett’s side in recent weeks, and been an instrumental figure in Pools’ improved fortunes.

He first signed a short-term deal during the ill-fated reign of Paul Murray, and his month to month contract was extended until the end of last season by then boss Ronnie Moore.

He signed a one-year deal last summer and is now contracted to the club for the next two seasons.

After 78 appearances for the club, the 27-year-old admitted: “The last couple of months have been as good as I have played. Confidence comes from the manager, telling me to get on the ball at every opportunity and the style of play suits me.

“People notice when you see plenty of the ball.

“There’s an excitement around the club now. The lads are all excited about next season and how we can do and put the last two or three years behind us and have a go.’’

He added on the club website: “I’m very excited for next season already. The gaffer knows he wants to bring in extra quality and adding to what we have we can attack the division.

“Every game we have played, bar Bristol Rovers, we have matched everyone we have played against.’’

Featherstone is one of the contenders for honours at this evening’s player of the year awards. A limited number of tickets, priced £10, are available for the event at the Grand Hotel.

Bookings must be made by 5pm today for supporters who want to take up the club’s offer of free transport to Saturday’s final game of the season at Plymouth. Coaches leave at 3am on the day of the game.