LUKE MOLYNEUX is desperate to prove himself at Hartlepool United after coming to terms with the way his seven-year Sunderland stay came to an end this summer.

The Bishop Auckland-born forward was disappointed with the way the Black Cats handled his exit, claiming that communication was poor when he was edging towards the end of his contract.

In the end Sunderland informed the 21-year-old that he would not be retained after spending last season on loan at Gateshead and Hartlepool, even though he had been tipped to be a success story at the Stadium of Light.

Opportunities were limited and he only made three substitute appearances for Sunderland at the start of last season under Jack Ross. He had made his first start the previous season in the Championship against Wolves.

In the end he had already made up his mind the time had come to move on because of the way Sunderland handled the situation – believing he could be handed new terms if Ross’ side faced another year in League One.

“I have been there since I was 14 so it was tough to leave, I was one of the last in my age group, only me and Denver Hume were left. It will help me in the long run, I’m sure,” said Molyneux.

“It was hard to deal with having to leave. I was confident in my own ability and I was quite surprised not to be kept on. I didn’t hear much from the Sunderland end. When I was out on loan I didn’t feel involved in the (Sunderland) squad.

“I spoke to Jack Ross the day of the deadline. I didn’t hear much from the owners. I was out of contract. I didn’t really get told I wasn’t getting a new contract until a week after the deadline. By then I was already looking for a new club.

“I was a bit shocked. When I first chatted with Jack Ross, it was about what league we were in. The deadline wasn’t until after the (play-off) final and when they lost that I thought I could be staying in League One. That wasn’t the case.”

Molyneux enjoyed a decent pre-season 12 months ago and had often be hailed as one to watch at the Stadium of Light. It just wasn’t to be, though, and now is relishing the challenge of giving his career the kickstart he wants at Hartlepool.

“When I was playing the 23s I was one of the oldest, not by much, but I was performing well, and had a few playing months, in and around the first team, had a few appearances,” he said.

“I never really thought about leaving Sunderland, thought I would be there a while. It is about preference, what managers, owners, players want, and I was one of those who left.

“It is about proving them wrong now. I think this will be an advantage to me, help me as a player, if I did stay I might have gone on loan, not been playing. Being here at Hartlepool I might play week in and week out. I still have plenty time and I want to do well this season coming up.

“When I was here last season I had a bit of a free role in the end, it made me have the confidence to do what I wanted. That helped me with the performances.”

Molyneux has been training with Hartlepool after the return to pre-season training under Craig Hignett this week, while Sunderland prepare for their own return.

Ross, a former Hartlepool defender, is looking to make additions to his own squad this summer and there are hopes within the club that progress on that front will be made next week.