Ex-Bolton, Rochdale and Blackpool player joins National League club

An ex-Bolton Wanderers, Rochdale and Blackpool player joins National League club Hartlepool United, it’s been confirmed this week.

It was just a month ago that he signed up Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Matlock Town, with many fans saying they’re surprised he’s dropped down the leagues for non league football.

The Gladiators gave Joe Bunney his debut in their away game against South Shields, and helped Matlock to win 1-0 and send them 4th in the table.

Bunney was incredibly close to scoring on his first game in a Matlock shirt, however he did provide an assist to Alex Byrne in the second half of the game.

Ball in from @Bunney_93 finds the head of “one of the smallest players they have” @alexbyrne93 to send us back to Matlock with three points.

Video credit – @SouthShieldsFC pic.twitter.com/wFYUjIyPr2

— Matlock Town FC (@Matlock_TownFC) October 18, 2020

Matlock wrote on social media: All the best to @Bunney_93 who is departing us after a short spell to link up with @Official_HUFC and make a return to full-time football. Joe was a model professional while with us and we could not be more pleased to have helped him get back to doing what he loves.

Won a penalty against @granthamtownfc as well, just call him the postman as @Bunney_93 always delivers 📮 pic.twitter.com/d802dMX9hA

— Matlock Town FC (@Matlock_TownFC) December 1, 2020

Matlock added: “When @Bunney_93 came to us, he was always honest about his desire to get back in to the fulltime game, we knew we could help him and it speaks volumes about the club and what manager @phillo07 has built that players come here to rekindle their love of the game.

“Our values as a club and as part of a community is to help improve the lives of all those involved on and off the pitch and to be a positive impact on our community and long may that continue “

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

✍️We are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Bunney on a short term deal

👊Welcome Joe

Full details: https://t.co/RdIpDvUYtc

— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) November 30, 2020

Hartlepool United are delighted to announce the signing of Joseph Bunney on a short term deal.

Bunney, who is six foot five, has spent his career playing as both a forward and a full back bringing both flexibility and experience to Challinor’s side.

Bunney began his career with spells at Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Stockport County and Northwich Victoria.

He made his EFL debut for Rochdale in 2013 and during his time with the Dales, he was converted from a forward to a defensive player where he then went on to play 160 times between 2013 and 2018, as well as a loan spell in the first half of 2019.

He moved to Northampton Town at the start of 2018 and went on to play 18 times for the Cobblers.

He also had a loan period at Blackpool and former club Rochdale in the 2018/19 season before moving to Bolton last year. Bunney then had a short spell with Matlock Town at the beginning of this season.

Dave Challinor added: ‘Delighted to sign Joe at what is a very busy period for ourselves. His quality, experience and flexibility to play in various positions will be a big plus to the squad. In the sessions he’s been with us you can already see that he’ll fit in seamlessly’.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Fans reacted as the ex-Bolton, Rochdale and Blackpool player joins National League club Hartlepool…

Good signing that, played in the football league for years!!

— Jacko (@Jackomckie15) November 30, 2020

That’s a thumper of a signing….😉

— Peo.🚖⚽🏏 (@hpoolneil) November 30, 2020

Welcome to the club hope it works out well for you 👍👍

— alan hudson (@aghdidim) November 30, 2020

Decent signing that, played well for us in spells towards the end of last season. Hard working left back… Just get him a lift to training… Don’t let him drive 😂

— Brown (@originalbrown84) December 1, 2020

Good signing. Best for the rest of the season.

— Paul Woodham (@thumpermaxie) December 1, 2020