Hartlepool United defender admits Darren Sarll tried to sign him while he was in charge of Stevenage

In an interview with BBC Radio Tees Sport, the 29-year-old stated that signing a new contract last week was simple because of Sarll’s admiration for him, which he expressed both before and after the full-back was appointed to the Suit Direct.

The past several years have been difficult for Ferguson, especially the most recent season when he lost the captaincy and faced harsh criticism from the supporters as Pools under John Askey fell from the standings.

But it’s easy to overlook just how good Ferguson was in the early going of his time in the North East; after Pools were promoted in 2021 under Dave Challinor, he was named in the National League team of the season. He was also one of the standout players during their return to the Football League, scoring a vital goal in the FA Cup third round to earn a trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

It also turns out that Sarll has long been a fan of the defender after Ferguson disclosed that during his first managerial position at Stevenage, he attempted to sign him.

Working under the late Glenn Roeder at the Lamex, Sarll guided Stevenage out of trouble in 2016 after nine games with just one loss, and he cemented the Boro’s League One status the following year with a 10th-place finish.

Ferguson played a season and a half for struggling Blackpool at that period, where, despite being in his early 20s, he was awarded the captain’s armband.

But as the Seasiders, mired in perpetual off-field controversy, collapsed all the way to League Two, Sarll pounced to try and sign the full-back.

Ferguson, a Sunderland native, ultimately decided to stay closer to home and signed with Darlington before continuing on to York, where he made an impression and was promoted to Pools.

Although it implies that the two would not collaborate until the upcoming season, it is encouraging for Ferguson that the new manager has long been a fan of his as he strives to return to his peak.

“He tried to get me when he was at Stevenage,” the man stated to BBC Radio Tees Sport.

It’s good that he thought highly of me and expressed his admiration.

“It made the decision a lot easier and I’m looking forward to working with him, getting involved and getting stuck in.”