Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of Corey McKeown following the expiry of his contract with Spennymoor Town.

The 24-year-old has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year through to June 2028. The deal will take effect on 1 July, subject to the relevant approvals.

McKeown becomes the fourth addition to Lee Clark’s squad this summer and the third new arrival this week as preparations continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The winger arrives at Victoria Park having attracted interest from a number of clubs following another impressive season in National League North.

Since joining Spennymoor Town from Blyth Spartans in November 2022, McKeown has made 150 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and playing a key role in the Club’s push for the National League North play-offs, while also helping The Moors reach the Isuzu FA Trophy Final.

Last season, he made 45 league appearances, scored six goals and was named Spennymoor Town Supporters’ Player of the Season.

A product of the Blyth Spartans pathway, McKeown made 53 senior appearances after breaking into first-team football as a teenager and earning the Club’s Young Player of the Year award.

It was during his time at Croft Park that he first worked under current Pools Head Coach Lee Clark before establishing himself as one of National League North’s most consistent attacking performers.

He arrives at Victoria Park with more than 200 senior appearances to his name and a reputation for his pace, direct running, creativity and versatility across the forward line.

Speaking after agreeing terms with Pools, Corey McKeown said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Pools.

“What really stood out to me during my conversations with Lee and Chris was that there is a real plan for what they want to build here and the role they believe I can play in that.

“Lee was very clear about the way he wants his teams to play. As an attacking player, you want to be part of a team that is positive, aggressive and looking to get on the front foot, and that really appealed to me. 

“He spoke about creating an environment where players can develop, improve and express themselves, while also being part of a team that works hard for each other and wants to win. That was something I felt suited the way I like to play and where I want to get to in my career.

“When a club like Pools comes calling, it’s an opportunity you have to take seriously. It’s a huge football club with a fantastic fanbase and a proud history, and I’m grateful to have been given the chance to take the next step in my career here.

“I’ve had some brilliant years at Spennymoor and I’ll always be thankful for the support I received there, but I felt this was the right challenge at the right time.

“I can’t wait to get started, meet the lads and play in front of the supporters. I’ll give everything I have every time I pull on the shirt and hopefully we can enjoy a successful future together.”

McKeown’s arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment activity at Victoria Park, with Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan and Brooklyn Ilunga already joining the Club, while key players Luke Charman and Jack Hunter have also committed their futures to Pools.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “I first worked with Corey during my time at Blyth Spartans, so I’ve seen first-hand the progress he’s made over the last few years.

“He has worked hard to establish himself at senior level, built a strong reputation through his performances at Spennymoor and earned this opportunity through the consistency he has shown season after season.

“At 24, he already has significant senior experience, but what really stands out is his desire to keep improving and developing his game.

“He has developed into a player who can influence matches in the final third, whether that’s creating chances, carrying the ball forward or contributing goals himself.

“He brings energy, versatility and a real attacking threat, while also possessing the work ethic and mentality that are essential within any successful team.

“Corey gives us another strong option in the forward areas and adds genuine competition across the squad. We’re delighted to welcome him to Hartlepool United and look forward to working with him.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Corey was a player we identified as a key target early in the recruitment process and somebody we believed could make a real impact at Hartlepool United.

“He has been one of the most consistent and productive attacking players in National League North over the last few seasons and earned an excellent reputation through the performances he has delivered for Spennymoor.

“There was significant interest in Corey from elsewhere, which was no surprise given the level of consistency he has shown, but throughout the process we were confident in what Hartlepool United could offer both on and off the pitch.

“We were able to present a clear football vision, a strong pathway for progression and an environment where ambitious players can continue to develop and fulfil their potential.

“What impressed us most was Corey’s attitude. He is ambitious, driven and determined to keep improving, and those qualities are every bit as important as his ability on the pitch.

“He is exactly the type of player we want to bring to Hartlepool United and we are confident he has all the attributes to make a significant contribution to the football club.

“With the additions of Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan, Brooklyn Ilunga and now Corey, we are continuing to strengthen the squad with players who bring different qualities, competition and depth as preparations for the new season continue.”