Young defender Joe signed his first professional contract with Pools in the summer of 2008 after coming through the ranks at the Club.

Although he started out as a midfielder, he has been successfully converted to a centre-back in recent seasons and adapted with flying colours.

He picked up some useful experience in the Reserves last season when he was a virtual ever present as Ian Butterworth's men swept to the Division One East title.

A committed player with a real determination to succeed in the game, it will be interesting to see how he develops as a young professional during the 2008/2009 campaign.