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Jordan Hugill explains why returning to Hartlepool was opportunity he couldn’t turn down

Jordan Hugill explains why returning to Hartlepool United was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down, signing. a one year deal.

He links up with former Rotherham interim boss Lee Clark, who said he signed him not just for his skills on the pitch, but also because of his impact off the pitch and in the dressing room.

The 34 year old with the Millers, who got relegated from League One for the 2025/26 season, after being made a free agent, he’s opted for life in the National League.

Speaking after he agreed terms with Pools, Jordan Hugill said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Hartlepool United.

“I have great memories of my previous spell at the Club and scoring the goal against Exeter that helped keep Pools in the Football League is something I’ll always remember.

“Even after I left, I always kept an eye on the Club because it was a place that meant a lot to me and somewhere I always hoped would be successful.

“Having worked with Lee recently at Rotherham, I already knew the type of manager he is and the environment he creates. I really enjoyed working with him and when he spoke to me about Hartlepool and what he wants to achieve here, I had no hesitation about wanting to be part of it.

“This is a massive football club with a passionate fanbase and, in my opinion, it’s a club that should be competing at a higher level. But football doesn’t work on reputation alone and no club has a given right to be in the Football League.

“Success has to be earned and that’s what appealed to me about this opportunity. There are a lot of good people at this football club who are determined to move it forward and get it back where everybody wants it to be.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a good career and experience a lot in the game, but I’m coming here because I still have the hunger to compete, score goals and help the team win football matches.

“My aim is simple. I want to contribute as many goals as I can, help the team be successful and do everything possible to help Hartlepool get back into the Football League.

“I know what this football club means to the supporters and I can’t wait to get started, play in front of them again and do my part to help make it a successful season.”

Hugill said to the club’s media: “I’m absolutely buzzing.

“It’s where I wanted to come. I wanted to be part of the project that’s going on and I wanted to come home. That’s why I’m here.

“I wanted to come home and spend the next few years with my kids watching me play football and enjoying that life experience together.

“I can offer a lot of leadership, experience and quality.

“I still feel as though I’ve got a hell of a lot to offer football, which is why I’m still playing.

“It’s not that I need to play football, I want to play football. This is something I’ve sought out and put myself forward for because I still want to do this.”

On Lee Clark: “When he came in, I was injured, but from the first second I wanted to get back and play for him.

“We were honest with each other more than anything and I think that created a good mutual respect.

“He was brilliant and when I saw he’d signed here as Head Coach, it was another big part of me wanting to come.”

On his winner against Exeter which saw Hartlepool escape from relegation in 2015: “It couldn’t have gone much better, could it?

“I’d been on loan at Tranmere before that and it didn’t really work out. I’d just come back from injury.

“Then I got the chance to come here, took it, and just hit the ground running.

“It was brilliant and the celebrations after the Exeter game were unbelievable.”

On former Pools manager Ronnie Moore, who helped him flourish: “Ronnie just gave me the freedom to go and do my thing.

“There was no pressure on me to do well, it just kind of clicked.”

On his connection with Hartlepool: “My first football experience as a teenager was actually at Hartlepool,” he said.

“I was on trial here.

“So for it to come full circle and end up back here towards the latter stages of my career, after where it all started, I can’t wait.”

Hartlepool head coach Lee Clark said: “Jordan is a significant signing for this football club and we’re delighted to bring him to Hartlepool United.

“When you’re talking about a player with his pedigree, experience and reputation in the game, it’s obvious why we were so keen to bring him here.

“He’s played at the highest level, amassed hundreds of appearances in the Championship and built an outstanding career through hard work, commitment and a real desire to succeed.

“Having worked closely with him at Rotherham, I know exactly what he will bring to our squad. His quality as a player is there for everyone to see, but what impressed me most was his professionalism, his mentality and his desire to win.

“He’s a leader, a strong character and somebody who understands what it takes to be successful. The results from his medical and physical testing were outstanding, which tells you everything you need to know about how he looks after himself and how determined he remains to achieve things in the game.

“Jordan gives us a real presence at the top end of the pitch. He’s a handful for defenders, occupies opposition back lines and creates space for the players around him. He can score goals, create opportunities for others and brings a different dimension to our attacking play.

“Players with Jordan’s experience and pedigree don’t become available very often, so we’re delighted to bring him to Pools. He knows this football club, understands what it means to represent Pools and shares our ambition to help move the Club forward.

“I’m sure our supporters will be excited to see him back in a Pools shirt and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact he can make both on and off the pitch throughout the season ahead.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Jordan is a player we’ve been working hard to bring to the football club for some time, so we’re delighted to get the deal agreed.

“To attract a player of his calibre, experience and reputation is a real statement of intent from Pools. It shows the type of player we want to bring to this football club and the level of ambition we have as we continue building a squad capable of delivering success.

“I know Jordan personally from our time playing together and I know exactly the type of character he is. He’s a top professional, a great teammate and somebody you want in your dressing room. He has high expectations of himself and those around him, and those qualities are invaluable.

“Supporters will look at his career and see the clubs he’s represented and the level he’s played at, but what excites me most is what he can bring to this group.

“He’s a real handful for defenders, creates problems for opposition back lines and has the ability to score goals, create chances and bring others into the game.

“We believe he’ll have a huge impact both on and off the pitch and we’re excited to see him in a Pools shirt.

“Jordan is the first addition to the squad this summer and we’ll continue working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the group further as we prepare for the season ahead.”

HUGILL’S CAREER:

Youth
2007–2008 Marske United

Senior
2008–2009 – Seaham Red Star
2009–2010 – Consett
2011 – Jerez Industrial – 15 games (2 goals)
2011–2012 – Whitby Town
2012 → Marske United (loan)
2013–2014 – Port Vale – 24 games (5 goals)
2013 → Gateshead (loan) – 7 games (5 goals)
2014–2018 – Preston North End – 114 games (30 goals)
2015 → Tranmere Rovers (loan) – 6 games (1 goal)
2015 → Hartlepool United (loan) – 8 games (4 goals)
2018–2020 – West Ham United – 3 games (0 goals)
2018–2019 → Middlesbrough (loan) – 41 games (7 goals)
2019–2020 → Queens Park Rangers (loan) – 41 games (15 goals)
2020–2023 – Norwich City – 44 games (6 goals)
2021–2022 → West Bromwich Albion (loan) – 20 games (1 goal)
2022 → Cardiff City (loan) – 19 games (4 goals)
2023–2026 – Rotherham United – 128 games (17 goals)
2026- Hartlepool United

Here’s how fans reacted as Jordan Hugill explains why returning to Hartlepool was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down…

@adampinder0711: Now get on the phone to Scotty Fenwick and let’s get us out of this tin pot league 😍

@merrymiller123: Best of luck with the move Jordan, can’t fault the effort you always put in even if it didn’t quite work out.

@JWheelhouse_01: Keep him fit and I do think that he could play a key part in a return to the EFL. Also worked with Clarke previously so it could turn out to be a great bit of business… Whoever put that video together btw 👏

@jordrich97: You can guarantee character, heart and experience with Jordan Hugill. His leadership in the dressing room will be vital. There could be a certain poetry to it… the striker who helped save Pools from the National League becoming the man who fires us back into the EFL! 🤞 #hufc

@durhamchris1983: Delighted with this signing. Welcome back Jordan.

@ProsightMatt: Is it really a coup for Pools as many are stating?? I see this as more of a step back and is more of a Steve Howard/Gary Madine esque signing that might look promising on paper, is actually just a damaging end to a players career. Suppose time will tell, happy to be proven wrong!

@Poolieboy1Les1: If he only scores 1 goal I will be happy as long as he is helping the rest of the team in our quest to get back into the football league. Welcome to Hartlepool United Jordan.

@Andy_P_1968: A fantastic signing for you guys and chuffed that Jordan has got fixed up quickly. He’ll do really well up there that’s for sure. Best of luck lads.

@ThorntonCraig: Yes! Welcome back, will be a good addition to the team, manager knows him well

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