Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm that Academy graduates Harry Conyard, Noah Gilbraith, Jacob Penprase and Charlie Thornton have all signed their first professional contracts with the Club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The quartet will now become part of Lee Clark’s First Team squad ahead of the new campaign, representing another significant step in their progression from Academy football into the senior environment at Pools.

The four players join Kian Foreman in signing professional terms with Pools, while former Academy players Lincoln Pawlak and Alex Pavan also secured professional contracts with Doncaster Rovers earlier this year.

The latest group of professional contracts reflects Pools’ continued commitment to developing homegrown talent and strengthening the pathway between the Academy and First Team.

Goalkeeper Harry Conyard joined Hartlepool United two years ago following spells with Middlesbrough and Boro Rangers and has continued to develop impressively within the Club’s high-performance environment under the guidance of Adam Smith.

After spending the 2025/26 season training regularly alongside the First Team squad, Conyard was rewarded with a place on the bench for Pools’ National League fixture away at Boston United on the final day of the campaign.

Speaking after signing his first professional contract, Harry Conyard said: “Really happy to have signed my first professional contract for the club. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here in the academy and I’m delighted I can continue my journey here.

“I want to say a massive thanks to the academy staff who have supported me over the past two years and also Adam Smith, who has been great for my development.”

Local defender Noah Gilbraith progressed through grassroots football with FC Hartlepool before joining the Academy setup at Pools and continued his development with an impressive spell at Horden Community Welfare during the second half of last season.

A composed and physically strong centre-back, Gilbraith produced a series of standout performances in senior football and collected several Player of the Match awards during his time with the Northern League side.

Noah Gilbraith added: “I am delighted to sign for my hometown club. This is something I have worked towards throughout my career so far.

“I am excited to face the challenges that professional football brings and I can’t wait to get going. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard and give my all for the club.”

Midfielder Jacob Penprase returned to Pools two years ago after previously being part of the Club’s Academy system and has continued to impress with his technical quality, maturity and consistency throughout his development.

Penprase also gained valuable senior experience during a productive loan spell with Horden Community Welfare last season as he continued his progression towards the First Team environment at Pools.

Jacob Penprase said: “It is a proud moment for me and my family. From when I was here as a kid to now signing my first professional contract, I feel very honoured representing the club.

“Big thank you to Alex and Jono who have helped with my development over the last two seasons. Both have been great with me since I joined the academy. I can’t wait to get started next season and I’m hoping to make a big impact.”

Attacking midfielder Charlie Thornton joined Pools following his release from Middlesbrough and enjoyed an excellent season in senior football with title-winning side Redcar Town.

A creative and intelligent attacking player, Thornton made a significant contribution throughout the campaign with a number of important goals and assists during the run-in as Redcar secured the league title.

Charlie Thornton added: “It is an honour and a really proud moment for me and my family to sign my first professional contract after two years at the club.

“My two years at the club have been tough at times but with the support from all the staff, I have remained motivated to keep striving for success. Hopefully I can make a positive impact at the club and I can’t wait to get started.”

The continued progression of young players into senior football reflects the quality of coaching, recruitment and player development taking place throughout the Academy, while reinforcing the Club’s focus on creating genuine opportunities for talented young players across Hartlepool and the wider region.

Alex Cross, Academy Manager at Hartlepool United said: “I am delighted to see Harry, Noah, Jacob and Charlie receiving their first professional contracts, alongside Kian who signed earlier this season.

“This is testament to all the hard work that has gone in across the Academy over the past two years and we would also like to thank Landon for his backing and support in securing the futures of these young players.

“They would not be here without the excellent work of Jonathan Constantine, who worked tirelessly to recruit this group and help build a strong culture within the Academy environment.

“To see seven players from this group secure professional contracts, either at Pools or elsewhere in the professional game, is a fantastic achievement and reflects the quality of work taking place throughout the Academy.

“The introduction of the U21 Professional Development Squad is another really important step forward for the football club and gives the next set of academy prospects an excellent environment to follow in the footsteps of  Harry, Noah, Jacob, Charlie and Kian,  and continue developing and working towards First Team football at Pools.”

The recent launch of the Club’s U21 Professional Development Squad represents another important step in strengthening the connection between the Academy and First Team environment at Hartlepool United.

The new setup will provide young players with additional opportunities to continue their development within a professional environment as the Club continues to build a stronger long-term pathway into senior football.

Players aged 18-20 with a playing background who are interested in joining Hartlepool United’s new U21 Professional Development Squad are encouraged to register their interest by completing the application form: HUFC Interest Form – Professional Development Squad Application

If the Hartlepool United player pathway is of interest and you are aged between 15-17, you can also register your interest in joining the Club’s Academy programme via: https://form.jotform.com/243376190247358