DAVE CHALLINOR has committed his long-term future to Hartlepool United by signing a new three-year deal with the club.

Challinor’s original contract at Victoria Park was due to expire next summer, and he had been linked with a number of other clubs after leading Pools to promotion from the National League last season.

Talks over a new deal have dragged on throughout the summer, but a successful resolution has finally been reached that has seen Challinor extend his commitment to Pools to the summer of 2024.

“I am absolutely delighted to finally see Dave sign his new contract,” said Pools chairman Raj Singh. “It’s obviously something that has been talked about for some time and in the background myself and Lee Rust have been working very hard to secure Dave for some time now.

“I know the fans have been eagerly awaiting this announcement and it’s fantastic to finally break that news. I also know that some of the fans were concerned that we wouldn’t secure Dave and equally I’m pleased to be able to put those doubts to bed.

“It was very important for the club to secure the correct contract with Dave that is manageable but that also puts another absolutely critical piece of the jigsaw in place for years to come.

“We’ve discussed the longer-term vision and there is so much more that this club can go on to achieve with the right plan and people. The work in that sense has only just begun and we have some more announcements to make in the coming days and weeks further to this one. It’s a very exciting time for the club and its fans.”

Challinor was appointed as Pools boss in November 2019, and will preside over his 83rd game in charge of the club when Exeter City visit the Vic this afternoon.

“It is good to put things to bed and sign on that dotted line,” said Challinor. “Thankfully, we have got there, and we can now all look forward.

“The welcome me and my family have had at the club has been extraordinary. Since I came in, I knew how big the club was for this town but probably didn’t expect the connection between one club and its fans to be so big.

“The supporters have been on this journey every step of the way. They need to know that this is their club. They will be here long after we are, and they are pivotal to the success.”