This is sooo frustrating - the guy obviously really wants to come and we badly want him to come.
As frustrating as it is I don't think Hartlepool are to be blame - it sounds like they are simply exercising a contractual option. What is still unclear is whether or not Porter has any say in accepting, or not, the contract extension - Tony P, not surprisingly, doesn't know the details of the extension clause.
Hopefully it can be worked through but Hartlepool have obviously had plenty of experience of writing contracts so, if it is enforceable, I suspect it will come down to whether or not they want to "handcuff" Porter for the next season.
Well this certainly is a turn up for the books, I had heard a few mutterings that Joel wanted the move back home and was aware that his house was/is being sold.
I don't think we are too blame like you say, Joel agreed a two year contract with the option of an extra year which is pretty much how we do things, this can be triggered at the discrection of and solely by HUFC, Joel get's no say in the matter as he already signed the contract and agreed to the extra year option, if we want him for an extra year, he stays, the situation as far as I can see is that Joel is now contracted to HUFC for another 12 months and if the move to Wellington is to go ahead a fee will need to be paid.
Joel is a good player on his day, quick, surprisingly good in the air with an eye for goal, injuries, injuries and injuries have halted him in recent times though, I hope he stays, but if he goes, good luck, there'll be no bitter feelings toward him.