HARTLEPOOL United have received a huge boost as full-back Jamie Sterry has signed a fresh two-year contract while goalkeeper Ben Killip commits for a further season.
The pair follow in the footsteps of Mark Shelton, Timi Odusina, Nicky Featherstone and Gary Liddle in commiting their futures to the club.
Sterry's deal ran out at the beginning of the month after featuring 30 times for Pools last season and he was offered fresh terms ahead of their first season back in League Two.
It looks like Pools have fought off competition from a number of EFL sides to re-sign Sterry. League One Sunderland were credited with an interest in the former Newcastle United man.
However, it seems that a move back to Victoria Park suited all parties with a promise of regular game time and to continue playing for club that has the potential to grow and improve.
The 25-year-old was an integral part of Dave Challinor's side playing a starring role at right wing-back as they went on to achieve promotion via the National League play-offs.
Sterry told the club website: "I am over the moon to re-sign for the next two seasons. I have loved every minute at the club and we are all looking to push on next season.
"Ever since I joined Hartlepool, the staff and the lads have been fantastic, and I am now just enjoying playing football.
"We have a big season ahead back in the Football League and I can’t wait to get going. The biggest factor for me was the fans.
"The support we had inside The Vic at the end of the season and the Promotion Final was surreal. The passion they have for the club is unbelievable and I can’t wait to play in-front of a packed-out Victoria Park next season."
As for Killip, he is now entering his third successive season at Pools after signing for the club in May 2019 from Braintee.
The 25-year-old has gone on to feature 62 times in the league for Pools and played a huge part in their promotion push last season before his season was cut short in April because of an elbow injury.
Despite featuring 29 times last season, Killip kept a very respectable 13 clean sheets. He was on the bench for Pools National League play-off final against Torquay United.
His one-year extension means he is Pools most senior goalkeeper at the club.
Killip told the club website: "I’m absolutely delighted to re-sign with Hartlepool, last season was the best year of my career and haven’t enjoyed being at a club as much as I have with Hartlepool.
"With the ambition of the club and the plans for the future it’s something I wanted to been a part of.
"I cannot wait for the new season, it’s going to be surreal having the fans back in at the Vic and thankfully we’ve managed to get the club back to where they belong.
"The atmosphere around the club is fantastic and long may it continue."
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