New signing Owen Hampson says he is eager to pull on the blue and white shirt for the first time after completing his move to Hartlepool United.
The 21-year-old midfielder arrives at Victoria Park following the expiry of his contract with Sheffield United, signing a one-year deal with the Club holding the option to extend his stay by a further year.
Having spent time in the academies of Manchester United and Sheffield United before gaining senior experience with Dunfermline Athletic and Boston United, Hampson now arrives at Pools determined to establish himself in senior football and help drive the Club towards its ambitions.
Speaking for the first time after putting pen to paper, the Welsh youth international admitted he cannot wait to get started.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here,” Hampson said. “I just can’t wait to get out there, play in front of the fans and show them what I can do.”
The move has been some time in the making, with Hampson revealing conversations with the Club over the prior weeks:
“They told me about the plans for the football club and what they thought I could add to the team,” he explained.
“The talks were really promising and they convinced me that this was the right opportunity. The project really appealed to me.”
A product of Manchester United’s academy before making the switch to Sheffield United in 2021, Hampson enjoyed success throughout the Blades’ academy system before progressing into the senior environment, making first-team appearances in both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
“I’ve learned a lot throughout my career so far,” he said.
“I played at Manchester United before moving to Sheffield United, progressed through the academy, made my debut and had a few opportunities with the first team.
“I then went out on loan to Dunfermline and Boston. I maybe didn’t play as much as I’d have liked, but I gained valuable experience that I’ll definitely take with me into this next chapter.”
Asked what Pools supporters can expect to see from him, Hampson highlighted his technical qualities and attacking instincts.
“My biggest strengths are receiving the ball on the half-turn, playing in tight spaces, scoring goals, creating chances and making things happen in the final third.”
One of the biggest attractions of the move was the ambition being shown throughout the football club as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.
“The project is really exciting,” Hampson added.
“They spoke about the new owners, the investment that’s going into the football club and building a team that can challenge for promotion and get back into the Football League.
“That’s the most important thing for me because I want to win. Winning football matches and competing for promotion was a huge reason why I wanted to come here.”
With the deal now complete, the midfielder’s attention has already turned towards getting onto the pitch in front of the Blue Army.
“I’m just looking out at the pitch now,” he smiled. “I already want to get out there and play football. I honestly can’t wait to get started.”
