PAUL Murray yesterday became the latest player to sign a new deal at Hartlepool United.

The 34-year-old midfielder impressed this season, and was in the running for the player of the year awards.

But he recently admitted that his next campaign, his 18th, is likely to be his last.

He was a mainstay of Mick Wadsworth’s side, but was rested by his coach at times.

“I’ll take each year as it comes but I think next year might be my final year,’’ he admitted. “I don’t like to say that but I’ve played 40 games this season and it’s been difficult for me.’’

Among the priorities now is to get 14-goal top scorer Antony Sweeney tied down to a new deal.

The midfielder has attracted interest from Huddersfield and Southampton this season.

His goals kept Pools out of the bottom four and, with the likes of Preston and Sheffield United in the same division next season, he knows the standards in League One continues to increase.

“It’s going to be a really strong division next season,’’ he admitted. “From a fans’ point of view everyone looks back at the seasons where we have punched above our weight but every season gets harder and harder.

“Who would have thought the two Sheffield clubs would be in the same league as us?

“There is going to Charlton in the same league and they have probably been Premiership clubs in the last 10 years.

“It’s a difficult league to get out of but hopefully Hartlepool can be a surprise package.’’