On-loan Maidstone striker Jake Cassidy is heading back to Hartlepool next month.

United were close to completing a permanent deal for the former Wolves man, who's been at the Gallagher since September.

But Pools sacked manager Matthew Bates and new boss Richard Money wants Cassidy back after revealing he'd twice tried to sign him while in charge at Cambridge.

Cassidy's loan expires after the New Year's Day derby against Dover and he's likely to turn out for Pools against Maidstone on January 5.

Stones boss Harry Wheeler said: "Jake wants to stay, we want him to stay.

"We’ve tried. Literally the day we were taking him permanently the manager got sacked, so a new manager came in and he’s shown a desire to keep him.

"It gives us time to go and recruit but at the same time it’s a loss.

"Everyone is very grateful for what he’s done and he’s always welcome back here.

"If it doesn’t work out there, he’s said he’d want to come here straight away."