Nicky Featherstone has said his desire to play a part in the project to return Pools to the EFL was one of the driving forces behind the decision to sign a new deal at the Club.
The midfielder is the longest serving member of the squad, having arrived in October 2014 and last term he became just the 50th player to make 200 competitive appearances for Pools.
During that time, Featherstone has remained one of the most consistent performers as the Club lurched from one crisis to another, culminating in relegation in 2017 and near collapse last year.
Now things are back on an even keel and there is an optimism growing for a much brighter future, the 30-year-old playmaker is more focused than ever on playing his part in the turnaround.
“I am delighted to have signed,” he told us.
“There were lots of reasons I wanted to stay but one of the main ones is that I am determined to help deliver some success to the supporters.
“I really want to be a part of a team that can bring back the good times to this Club because I know that it’s been a bit of a struggle over recent years, as much off the pitch as on it at times.
“The Club is moving in the right direction now though; the owners, the management, the players and the fans all seem to pulling in the same direction and hopefully we can get Hartlepool back where we feel we belong.”
Featherstone featured in all but three games in all competitions last season and boss Craig Hignett has made no secret of how highly he rates the midfield man when he’s in top form.
Hignett certainly drew the best out of the former Hull City trainee during his last spell in the Pools dugout and Featherstone is confident that he can do the same in 2019/20.
“I only ever thought I would sign the contract but it’s taken a little longer because I have been out of the country so we’ve got everything sorted now and I’m pleased,” he admitted.
“There was no doubt in my mind that I would be staying because I obviously really enjoy playing for the Club, I like the management staff and the way things are set up here.
“I have worked under the gaffer before and really enjoyed that so it was a no-brainer for me really.
“He’s got a style of football that I enjoy, it suits my game and it matches my philosophy and my beliefs about how it should be played.
“I think you saw that in my performances that I was enjoying playing for the Manager and that’s what I want to produce again next season.”