NICKY FEATHERSTONE, a shoo-in to be Hartlepool United’s player of the season, has signed a new deal.

The midfielder signed for Pools under Ronnie Moore in 2014 and has been a mainstay in the side since.

He signed a new contract last summer to stay, but his form under Dave Challinor in the second half of the recently-ended campaign was much improved.

As a result, Challinor has extended his stay and the manager admitted: “Before the lockdown we agreed a new deal with Gav Holohan and he joined the group that are contracted for next season.

“We were hoping to release a story on another player who agreed and signed a contract extension at the same time as Gav.

“I can though confirm that not only did the player reach a significant milestone in playing his 250th game for the club before we stopped playing but he was also rewarded for his performances, so to add to the players that will remain with us, Feaths has signed an extension and will be with the club next season.

“He’s been terrific since we came in and is and will be integral to what we want to do and what our ambitions are for next season.’’

The Pools boss gave supporters an extensive update on the club website about the club’s plans and confirmed all players have been furloughed.

He added: “We have no idea when next season may be. A decision was made by National League clubs to finish the ‘regular season’ with no more games to be played, largely due to contracts expiring on May 2 in lots of cases.

“How things progress from that, I have no idea. I think everyone has an opinion on what should happen but without question, human nature will in many cases result in people’s opinions being guided by self gain and preservation.

“Decisions need to be made, I don’t envy the people making those decisions but as a league we probably need to fall into place and be guided by the Premier League and EFL and be reactive from them.

“The big issue from our perspective as a club is when next season starts. Again, speculation, August, September, January? Who knows? I’m reading the same as everyone else and unfortunately have nothing further to give you on this one.’’