Hartlepool United defender David Ferguson is reportedly set to complete a permanent switch to fellow National League side Gateshead.
The 31-year-old has been ever-present for Hartlepool in the five years he’s been with the club, but is currently days away from becoming a free agent, opening the door for a potential exit.
Currently, Hartlepool are one of the few National League clubs that are yet to sign a player in the transfer window and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon with Ferguson looking likely to leave.
Ferguson set for Hartlepool exit
As reported by journalist Rob Law, Hartlepool United defender David Ferguson is set to complete a permanent switch to Gateshead upon the expiry of his contract.
The defender is one of several players that are currently out of contract at Hartlepool and are yet to commit their futures to the football club.
Ferguson has been at the club for the last five years but that looks set to come to an end in the coming days.
How did he fare last season?
As he’s been since his first game, Ferguson has remained as a constant presence in the Hartlepool United side and last season was the third time in five years that he contributed seven goals or more.
He featured in 45 of the clubs 46 league matches last season, missing just one through suspension. During these matches, Ferguson scored three goals and provided four additional assists.
In what is now likely to have been his final game for the club, the defender scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against promotion-chasing Forest Green Rovers.
A tough summer continues for Hartlepool
At the time of writing, midfielder Nathan Sheron is the only out of contract player to have signed terms for next season.
Dan Dodds, Josh Mazfari and Billy Sass-Davies have all already left the club, whilst Joe Grey and Mani Dieseruvwe join Ferguson in being the three remaining individuals that have decisions to make.
The supporters were also recently involved in a vote regarding funding for next season, which has left many Hartlepool supporters feeling anxious as to what next season could bring for the club.
Ferguson is a popular figure at the club and has made over 200 appearances, but to lose him to a league rival for free is certainly likely to increase the fan anxiety moving into pre-season.
