Hartlepool United have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Gavan Holohan on a free transfer from League Two side Crawley Town, subject to league and international clearance.
The experienced Irishman has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical.
Holohan returns to the Prestige Group Stadium as a hugely popular figure, having previously made 106 appearances for Pools and scored 21 goals in all competitions across four seasons.
Playing alongside current Pools boss Nicky Featherstone, Holohan was a key member of the side that won promotion back to the Football League, scoring eight goals during the Club’s National League play-off campaign.
After leaving Hartlepool, the Kilkenny native enjoyed a productive spell with Grimsby Town, scoring 16 times in 107 appearances.
Among his key contributions for the Mariners were a last-minute equaliser in the 2022 National League play-off semi-final and two penalties in the FA Cup win over Southampton as Grimsby reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1939.
Holohan joined Crawley Town in the summer of 2024 and featured regularly in League One and League Two for the West Sussex-based Club.
Across his senior career, the Hull City Academy graduate has amassed 414 appearances in all competitions, scoring 65 goals and providing 23 assists across spells in the League of Ireland, the National League and the Football League.
Speaking after completing his return to Pools, Gavan Holohan said: “I’m delighted to be back at Pools.
“I loved my time here, and I’ve got great memories, especially getting promoted back to the EFL. That’s where this Club should be, and I know what that meant to the fans more than anything.
“It’s a big Club with a massive following, and the expectations are high, which is exactly what you want.
“For me, it’s a fresh start and one I’m determined to grab with both hands.
“When I spoke to Nicky and knew the chance to come back was there, it felt right straight away. I’m fully focused on coming in, making an impact and helping the team in any way I can. We’ve got a lot to play for, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
“Nicky spoke to me about leadership and standards, and I’m coming in to help drive that. On the pitch, I want to bring a bit of a spark in the middle of the park and add goals from midfield as well. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the Pools fans again and play my part.”
Nicky Featherstone, First Team Manager, added: “We’re delighted to bring Gav back to Pools.
“He was a real crowd favourite here, and I know the fans will be delighted to welcome him back.
“Having played alongside him, I know exactly what he brings to the squad. He’s a proven English league footballer, a top professional, a leader, and he delivers in big moments.
“This is a key signing for us. It’s about adding quality on the pitch, but it’s also about raising standards and expectations within the squad every single day. We want to keep pushing the levels in training, in preparation and on matchdays, and Gav is the type of player who helps drive that.
“We’ve got a lot to play for between now and the end of the season, and having a player of Gav’s pedigree and experience will only add to the squad. He’ll bring that creative spark and a goal threat from midfield, and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”
