By Albatross
February 22 2005

Hartlepool United have announced that midfielder Mark Tinkler has agreed a new contract at Victoria Park. His current deal was due to finish at the end of the season, but Tinks will now be extending his stay. Tinkler originally signed for Pools back in November 2000, and turned out to be one of Chris Turner's most astute signings. With backing from the board, he was able to take on a player that Southend had been forced to release due to the size of his wages - and although we didn't pay a fee, it's a safe bet that the pay packet he was collecting at Pools was a sizable commitment for the club. However, he was exactly the sort of player we needed at that time as he added steel to a midfield that too often went missing when we were under pressure.

His combatative style made him the perfect man to play the holding role in midfield, breaking up attacks and providing an outlet for the defence, and he combined well with Tommy Miller and Paul Stephenson in what became arguably the best midfield in the division. After Miller left we began to see another side to his game, with Tinks weighing in with a few goals as well - an unexpected bonus to many fans. He hit the net nine times in 2001/2 before hitting 13 - including a hat-trick - on the way to promotion in 2002/3.

Many people seem to think Tinks is a veteran, but don't be decieved by his greying locks - he's only just past his 30th birthday. Whether his future will remain in midfield may be open to question - he's also filled in at centre half with some success, and some feel that he may now be best employed in a back three where he may be able to put his reading of the game and passing ability to good use as a sweeper.

Tinkler has so far made 186 league appearanced for Pools, and in all competitions is now well over 200 appearances - the extended deal for him should see him add to that, although he is of course ruled out of tonight's match with Brentford.