Experienced EFL striker Vadaine Oliver drops into the National League after signing for the 13th club of his career.
The 33-year-old joins having been a free agent, more recently keeping fit by playing friendly games with the PFA squad.
Oliver, a Sheffield Wednesday academy product, has played 495 career games, scoring 95 goals across clubs like York, Bradford, Lincoln, and Morecambe.
He brings experience from 374 EFL games and 55 National League matches, and now aims to use his physical presence and goal-scoring ability to help Hartlepool push for promotion.
Welcome to Pools, Vadaine Oliver!
The striker joins the Club subject to relevant approvals.#HUFC pic.twitter.com/ButoX2IQ7P
— Hartlepool United (@Official_HUFC) September 11, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Hartlepool United Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of forward Vadaine Oliver, subject to relevant approvals
The 33-year-old joins Pools as a free agent.
Oliver has played 495 games in his career, including 374 across the EFL and 55 in the National League.
The Sheffield Wednesday academy prospect also has 95 career goals to his name.
Oliver has represented a handful of Clubs over his career, including York City, Bradford City, Lincoln City and Morecambe.
On joining Pools, Oliver said: “I’m buzzing to be here, once I knew the Club was interested, it was a no-brainer. I’m looking forward to getting going.”
Interviewer: “You’ve been in training this week, had some time to meet everyone, what’s that been like?”
Oliver: “Yeah, it’s been a first day here, nice to meet a few people and obviously I know a couple people who are already here so, yeah, it’s been good.”
Interviewer: “And had some time with the gaffer as well, how influential was he towards you move?”
Oliver: “Yeah, it’s huge, I had really good conversation with him, targets for the season. Trying to get promoted, I really am looking forward, the main decision to come.”
Interviewer: “You’ve got plenty of experience behind you as well, near and on 500 career games. How will you look to bring that to here?”
Oliver: “Yeah, they said just using my experience and everything I’ve learned in the game over the years, that know-how and my team-mates and obviously provide all of the given opportunities.”
Interviewer: “How would you compare the NFL to how the National League can be?”
Oliver: “Been long time since I’ve been in National League so I don’t know if anything is the same. But look, there’s a lot of teams that obviously come up. Well, not a huge drop off. It’s still a really good standard. So you have to apply yourself properly. I’m looking to really enjoy myself. ”
Interviewer: “And how will you look to apply yourself to it? What aspects of your game can we expect?”
Oliver: “Obviously, I’m physical presence and targeting my focal point. I’m my main part of the game. Bringing others in and scoring goals.”
Pools boss Simon Grayson said:
“We are delighted to have signed Vadaine.
“He will bring a wealth of experience at different levels to us, but also a different type of striker that we don’t have at the Club.
“It brings a new dimension to the team, and it is something that we need.”
HIS CAREER:
Youth career
–2010 – Sheffield Wednesday
Senior career
2010–2012 – Sheffield Wednesday
2012–2013 – Lincoln City – 42 games (13 goals)
2013–2015 – Crewe Alexandra – 42 games (3 goals)
2014–2015 → Mansfield Town (loan) – 32 games (7 goals)
2015–2017 – York City – 65 games (20 goals)
2016–2017 → Notts County (loan) – 25 games (1 goal)
2017–2019 – Morecambe – 71 games (9 goals)
2019–2020 – Northampton Town – 40 games (8 goals)
2020–2022 – Gillingham – 93 games (31 goals)
2022–2025 – Bradford City – 46 games (5 goals)
2024 → Stevenage (loan) – 14 games (0 goals)
2025 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) – 13 games (2 goals)
2025– Hartlepool United
Fans reacted as the experienced EFL striker drops into the National League after signing for the 13th club of his career…
@newpowerhh: Journey man, hasn’t pulled up many trees lately. Hopefully can be a foil for Reid.
@Skylaxes: Must be the only 6’4 striker who gets shorter when he jumps for a header
@HUFC_Charlie: Good signing ngl he should be getting goals at this level
@Up_TheChickens: Unlucky lads 😂
@daveflemm: Some times the best signings are one with something to prove, hopefully he can do it with pools 🤞🏻
@burkeybcfc: If you have someone in and around him, a poacher style forward or high wingers then he will do well for you
@iammattbrookes: He might graft at your level like he did at Gillingham. As soon as he signed for City on big money for 3 years he didn’t need to
@jordrich97: Good pedigree, something different and another option.
@Fallan_allan: That’s one hell of a player you have chaps!
@Rickwoollin: Probably do well at that level – good luck V 👍🏻
@Will_BCAFC_: I reckon our fans are being abit harsh on him. Never really got too many chances to prove himself as he was second to the world’s greatest striker. He scored 27 goals in two seasons in League One for Gillingham remember, he’ll do well in the National League. #hufc #bcafc
@ellishall_12: I do feel as though Pools have needed a more traditional target man to platform Reid. Too often we have been forced long this year and it’s instantly came back at Pools, having a vocal point should be beneficial. I can’t imagine he will score many however. #HUFC
@BLewis2023: A nice back up that, I’ll take it
@mikebdwilson: I get the need for a big target man at this level but are we going back to long ball or he just gunna play as and when needed why oh why did we let mani walk should have wrote him a blank cheque
@anthonystevenh7: Yes I want goals but if he can come in and help the other two forwards by holding the ball up flicking it on freeing up Reid to be further up the pitch then I’ll take that it’s more depth aswell
@BenBroxholme: How the hell has he got a club, quite possibly the worst striker I’ve ever seen play at valley parade and we’ve had some shockers.
@allmoshnopit: People will laugh and say unlucky lads (which is fair enough) but I think he will be decent at that level. Wish him nothing but the best
@SHD_Backup: You poor fuckers
@donnybantam: Sorry lads, he’s shite
@leecrotty2: Approval should be sought on whether he is a footballer or not, total shite and not interested
@KIngledow: Fucking hell how clubs sign this fraud ill never know, he’ll score 4 goals all season
@Up_TheChickens: Think he’s lucky to get NL contract #bcafc #bantams
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