JAKE CASSIDY will return to Hartlepool United in the new year.

The striker is on loan at Maidstone after being shipped out on a half-season loan by former boss Matthew Bates.

But Richard Money, the new manager at the Super 6 Stadium, will have him back in his squad for the second half of the season.

He confirmed this morning: “Jake is back here on January 2 – he is our player and he’s staying.’’

Money has already brought Lewis Hawkins back from a loan spell at York City and he will be in the squad this weekend.

Cassidy scored for the Stones in their midweek FA Trophy win, his first goal for the club.

Pools’ skipper Andrew Davies could be back in the side on Saturday, when Havant and Waterlooville visit the North-East.

He has trained this week after a calf problem, while Liam Noble and Connor Newton are both available after hamstring problems.

Money said: “We brought Harvey Rodgers in last weekend, had a really good debut and that gives us more strength across the back. If someone of Davies’ quality – or anyone else of that matter – isn’t available then we have a bit more quality and strength in how we defend.

“Andrew trained Tuesday and a bit on Wednesday. Noble trained, Newton trained, Hawkins is back with us – so there’s a bit more depth there.’’