Hartlepool United manager Paul Hartley admits it was 'disappointing' to face Matty Longstaff as he made his debut for League Two rivals Colchester United. The Newcastle United academy graduate sealed a deadline-day exit as he agreed a season-long loan with the The U's.
Longstaff enjoyed a successful stint in League Two with Mansfield Town in the second-half of last season, netting six goals in 16 appearances for Nigel Clough's side. The Stags progressed to the playoff final but suffered a heavy defeat in the Wembley showpiece against Port Vale.
Eddie Howe confirmed the younger Longstaff brother would head out on loan once again this term, with League One side Barnsley considered the favourites. However, the 22-year-old ended up agreeing a return to the fourth tier as he joined Colchester.
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Longstaff went straight into the starting eleven as Wayne Brown's side salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Hartlepool through a stoppage-time equaliser Beryly Lubala. The Newcastle loanee completed the full 90 minutes, and visiting manager Hartley was asked whether it was frustrating to see the midfielder join a divisional rival over remaining in the North East.
He told the Hartlepool Mail: “Yeah we’ve got to look to try and get better relationships with the local teams. We’ve not had that relationship over the years for various reasons but we have to make sure we get tighter with these teams.
"We’re a local club to some big clubs up north and it is disappointing to see players coming four or five hours on the road. But that’s part of our job to try and structure the club in that way.”
Hartlepool were linked with a move for Newcastle prospect Joe White, who spent the second-half of last season at Victoria Park. However, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder did not secure a loan move in the summer window.
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