ADAM CAMPBELL says moving back home was a key factor in him joining Hartlepool United.
The 29-year-old former Darlington and Gateshead striker has secured a popular return to the north-east after having helped Crawley Town win promotion to League One.
Campbell’s time away in West Sussex was a huge success having made 45 appearances last season, scoring seven goals, as the Red Devils toppled Crewe Alexandra to win the League Two play-off final at Wembley.
Capped at England U16, U17 and U19 level, Campbell started his senior career at Newcastle United, where he made his competitive first team debut against Atromitos in the Europa League in August 2012, aged just 17. He then went on to make his Premier League debut against Stoke City the following season.
In all, he played over 370 games in his senior career including spells at Notts County, Morecambe and Carlisle United, and even returned for a brief loan spell at Hartlepool in 2014.
Two successful seasons at Darlington led to a move to Gateshead, where he helped the Heed win the National League North title in 2022 and reach the FA Trophy Final. There, he played 83 games, scoring 25 goals before being snapped up by then Crawley boss Scott Lindsey.
Campbell admits the lure of a move back home with Pools and forming part of manager Darren Sarll’s re-build at Victoria Park was too much to resist.
“I’m really excited to be here,” Campbell told the club’s website.
“I know some of the players and staff here already, and from meeting the gaffer I can’t wait to get going.
“I play better football when I’m happy and settled, so moving back home was a big factor in the move.
Flexibility
“But I wouldn’t come here if the ambition didn’t align with mine – I want to help get this club back into the Football League.”
Campbell becomes Pools’ fourth signing of the summer – joining Luke Char man, Jack Hunter and Nathan Sheron at Victoria Park – and boss Sarll sees him as a vital piece of the jigsaw.
“I think we can all appreciate the conditions around this,” Sarll said.
“It is a real coup for Pools when a player such as Adam agrees to sign, given that he has just experienced promotion to League One with another club that he could have stayed on with. He also had a great deal of interest from other league clubs following an excellent season.
“I watched Adam live on several occasions last season. I was surprised and delighted by his evolution out of possession in a team that executed high pressure very well. His ability in and around the box is very strong, and he gives us great flexibility in four offensive positions.
“His signing goes to show once again that we as a club can attract some very good players in the right stages of their career.
“I’m really pleased with the recruitment that myself, Joe Monks and Ronnie Moore have acquired to date. We must continue to be patient and diligent, and with the owners continued backing we will attract the right players that fit our profile and aspirations for this season.”
