Thomas Butler is staying at Hartlepool United

Busy Day
By Albatross
June 30 2005

Hartlepool United have confirmed that winger Thomas Butler will be staying at Victoria Park. The Irish International agreed an extended deal despite rumours of interest from several other clubs at our level.

The fact that Butler is staying has to be good news: several clubs were believed to be talking to him about signing up, including a number of our Division 2 Rivals, but he's instead decided to stay put.

Butler did of course arrive at the same time as Steve Howey - but while the former Toon defender made just one sub appearance before leaving and moving into management at Brandon, the former Sunderland winger made eleven appearances and looked pretty useful on the wing - he even scored his first career goal while at Pools, following up with another that Sweeney tried to claim!

Right footed, Butler has preferred to play on the left flank and cut inside. Will Scott be tempted to move him across to one of our problem positions on the right?

News of new contracts is starting to come thick and fast now, with a number of youth teamers already signed up and deals on the table for several others. So far the only player that has left (other than a couple of youth teamers) is Chris Westwood, and although he will be missed we look set to be at least as strong as last year on paper. If Scott can bring in a good central defender to replace Westie then we will look stronger - especially with Lee Bullock joining the club today.