Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of Neo Eccleston following the expiry of his contract with Huddersfield Town.

The 22-year-old defender 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 agreement is subject to the relevant registration approvals.

Eccleston arrives at Victoria Park after six years with Huddersfield Town, having joined the Club’s academy from Chelsea in 2020.

Having progressed through the youth ranks at the John Smith’s Stadium, the defender made his senior debut for the Terriers against Crawley Town during the 2024/25 season before going on to make three first-team appearances.

Loan spells with Barrow and Grimsby Town provided the right-back with valuable Football League experience, with Eccleston making 29 appearances across all competitions during his time with the two clubs.

His most productive spell came at Barrow during the 2024/25 campaign, where he featured in 24 matches across all competitions, scoring once and registering two assists.

Comfortable at right-back or further forward on the right-hand side, Eccleston arrives at Pools with more than 30 senior appearances already to his name despite still being only 22 years of age, bringing pace, athleticism and attacking intent to Lee Clark’s squad.

Speaking after agreeing terms with Hartlepool United, Neo Eccleston said: “I’m delighted to be joining Pools and I can’t wait to get started.

“When the opportunity came up, it was one I wanted to take. This is a massive football club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a real expectation to be competing at the top end of the league, so it was a challenge that immediately appealed to me.

“Chris Maxwell and Lee Clark outlined a clear vision for the football club and the role they believe I can play and that really stood out to me.

“I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years through my experiences in senior football and I feel ready for this next step. I’m coming here to work hard, improve and do everything I can to help the team be successful.

“As a young player, you want to be in an environment where you can challenge yourself, keep progressing and earn the opportunity to play. I believe Hartlepool is the right place for me to do that.

“I’ve heard a lot about the supporters and the atmosphere they create at Victoria Park. Playing in front of passionate crowds is something every player looks forward to and I’m excited to experience that for myself.

“I’m ready to get started, meet the lads, work hard throughout pre-season and give absolutely everything for this football club.”

Eccleston becomes the latest addition to Lee Clark’s squad with pre-season training now underway, as preparations for the 2026/27 National League campaign continue to gather momentum at Victoria Park.

The defender joins Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan, Owen Hampson, Chris Popov, Will Harris, Charlie Penman, Brooklyn Ilunga, Corey McKeown and Terry Bondo as part of the Club’s summer recruitment.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “Neo is a player we’ve been tracking closely and somebody we believe can make a real impact at Pools.

“He’s at a good age, already has valuable experience of senior football behind him and arrives here with a real desire to keep improving and pushing his game forward. 

“What attracted us to Neo was his athleticism and the qualities he possesses as a modern full-back. He is quick, aggressive, comfortable in possession and has the energy to contribute at both ends of the pitch. 

“He gives us another dimension down the right-hand side, whether that’s defending, supporting attacks or helping us play in the manner we want to play.

“We feel he is at a stage in his career where he is ready for the next challenge and we’re looking forward to helping him continue his development in an environment where he can play, improve and fulfil his potential.

“He adds quality, competition and depth to the squad and we’re delighted to welcome him to the football club.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Neo has been a player I’ve monitored closely since arriving at the football club and we’re delighted to have completed the deal.”

“At 22, he has already benefited from an outstanding football education through Chelsea and Huddersfield Town, while also gaining valuable experience across League One and League Two football.

“We believe those experiences have given him an excellent grounding in the game, but there is significant scope for him to develop further.

“Neo is a player I know well and one whose qualities we believe will strengthen the squad. He is at a stage in his career where he is ready for the next challenge and we believe Pools is the right environment for him to take that step.

“We were able to demonstrate the opportunity available to him at Pools, the direction the football club is heading and the role we believe he can play in that journey.

“One of our priorities this summer has been to add players who can contribute immediately while also possessing the potential to grow with the football club. Neo fits that profile perfectly.

“He is another big addition as we continue to build a squad capable of pushing on this season. He adds quality, competition and depth to the group and we’re delighted to welcome him to Pools.”