Jack Nolan admits Hartlepool United’s ambition, vision and desire to return the Club to where it belongs made the decision to join Pools an easy one.
The 25-year-old forward became Lee Clark’s second summer signing after agreeing a two-year deal at Victoria Park following the expiry of his contract with Morecambe.
Nolan arrives on the back of a standout campaign in the National League, registering 19 goals and eight assists to establish himself as one of the division’s most effective attacking players.
With interest from clubs across both the National League and EFL, Nolan revealed that the project being built at Pools was the key factor behind his decision.
“I’m delighted to get it done,” he said.
“It’s obviously been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks and once I’d spoken to everyone at the Club, it became clear this is a football club that wants to move in the right direction.
“That matches where I see myself going as a player, so it felt like the right move.”
Despite attracting significant attention following his impressive season at Morecambe, Nolan says Hartlepool’s long-term vision stood out from the rest.
“It was a busy summer and there was interest from a number of clubs,” he explained.
“But for me it was more about the project than anything else.
“I spoke to the owner, the football staff and everyone involved. They were very clear about what they want Hartlepool United to look like and where they want the Club to go.
“The owner spoke about bringing the good times back to the football club and that really appealed to me because I want to be part of something. It just fitted perfectly.”
Nolan added that the ambition running throughout the Club was impossible to ignore.
“You can see the excitement around the place already,” he said.
“The season ticket numbers are growing and hopefully that continues because if we can get this place rocking every week, it’ll be a brilliant environment to play in.
“Hartlepool is a massive football club. Even when they were in the Football League, you could see the size of the Club, and in the National League it’s a club that should be pushing towards the top end of the table.”
Pools supporters will be hoping Nolan can carry his goalscoring form into the 2026/27 campaign and the attacker believes he can provide exactly the type of attacking threat fans enjoy watching.
“I like to make things happen,” he said.
“I feel like I can create something out of nothing and hopefully I can contribute with goals and assists.
“Last season didn’t go how Morecambe wanted collectively, but personally it was a positive year for me. Now I’m looking forward to building on that and helping Hartlepool have a successful season.”
With memories of playing against Pools at Victoria Park, Nolan is relishing the prospect of having the supporters behind him rather than against him.
“I’ve played here a couple of times and you always notice the atmosphere and the numbers that come through the gates,” he said.
“The fans make it a difficult place for opposition teams and hopefully we can have a packed stadium every week.
“All I’d say to the supporters is keep backing us. We’ve got a big challenge ahead this season and it’s our job to repay that loyalty and bring some good times back to the football club.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
