Luke, first of all, congratulations. How pleased are you to get the new deal agreed and commit your future to Pools?

I’m delighted to get it sorted. As soon as I heard the Club wanted to keep me on, it was something I really wanted to do.

I’ve loved my time here so far and even through the injury setback, I always felt valued around the football club, so I’m really happy to be staying and excited for what’s ahead.

It’s obviously been a frustrating few months with the injury setback. How driven are you now to get back fit and show supporters what you can bring to this team?

It’s definitely been frustrating because before the injury I felt I was in probably the best place I’ve been since joining the Club.

I felt sharp, confident and like my performances were improving all the time, so naturally it was tough when the injury happened.

But if anything, it’s made me even more determined to come back stronger, get back out there and carry on from where I left off.

You mentioned speaking with Lee Clark and Chris Maxwell before agreeing the deal. What were those conversations like and what gave you confidence about the direction the Club is heading in?

The conversations were really positive. Speaking with Chris Maxwell, you could see straight away how much work is going on behind the scenes and how driven everybody is to move things forward.

Then with the gaffer, being a North East lad and someone who’s achieved so much in the game both as a player and manager, he’s naturally someone you look up to.

You can tell he’s got high standards, clear ideas and a real vision for where he wants the Club to go and that gives you confidence as a player.

Lee has spoken about intensity, standards and building a team supporters can really connect with. As a player, how exciting is it to hear that message so early on?

That’s exactly what you want to hear as a player. You want to be part of a team that works hard, competes properly and gives supporters something they can really get behind every week.

The manager’s spoken a lot about intensity, standards and honesty and those are the kinds of things supporters here appreciate.

Lee Clark has worked at a very high level throughout his career, both as a player and a manager. How exciting is it for you to now work under someone with that experience?

It’s massive for me personally. When you look at his career and the levels he’s worked at, there’s obviously a huge amount you can learn from someone like that.

As a player, you always want to keep improving and developing and I’m really looking forward to working with him properly once pre-season starts.

You’ve now been at the Club for almost two years. How much have you enjoyed representing Pools and playing in front of these supporters?

I’ve loved it. This is probably the longest I’ve stayed at one club since leaving Newcastle and I genuinely feel settled and comfortable here.

The supporters have been brilliant with me from day one and when the place is full and rocking, it’s a brilliant place to play football.

One thing supporters really appreciate about you is your versatility across the front line. Do you enjoy playing in different attacking roles and where do you feel your game is strongest?

I honestly don’t mind where I play because I back myself to affect games wherever I’m needed.

I probably prefer playing off the left in a front three, but I also enjoy playing through the middle or alongside another striker.

For me, it’s just about helping the team and contributing however I can.

During rehab, what’s been the toughest part mentally and physically for you over the last few months?

The hardest part is probably just missing being out there every day with the lads and not being able to help the team.

When you’re injured, you obviously have difficult days mentally as well, but you’ve just got to stay focused, keep working and trust the process.

The staff here have been brilliant with me throughout it all and now it’s about making sure I come back fully ready.

There already seems to be a real sense of positivity around the Club heading into the new season. Can you feel that around the dressing room and training ground as well?

Definitely. Even over the last few weeks, you can feel there’s a lot of energy and positivity around the place.

Everyone’s looking forward now and there’s a real determination around the Club to push on and improve next season.

Looking ahead, how hungry are you personally to make an impact again next season?

Very hungry. I’ve been out for a long time now and when you’re injured, all you want to do is get back playing again.

I’m working hard every day to make sure I come back in the best shape possible and hopefully have a big season.

Finally, what message would you like to send to the supporters after agreeing this new deal?

Just a massive thank you for all the support over the last few months.

The messages and support during my injury genuinely meant a lot to me and I can’t wait to get back out there in front of everyone again.

I’m really excited for the season ahead and hopefully we can all have plenty to look forward to together.