Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm that Academy graduate Campbell Darcy has signed a new one-year contract, keeping him at Victoria Park until June 2027.

The new deal follows an impressive 2025/26 campaign for the 20-year-old, who gained valuable senior experience during a successful loan spell with Hebburn Town, helping the Hornets win the Northern Premier League Premier Division title.

A product of the Club’s Academy, Darcy signed his first professional contract in December 2023 after progressing through the youth ranks at Victoria Park.

He made his senior debut aged 16 in January 2023, coming off the bench against Championship side Stoke City in the Emirates FA Cup, before adding further first-team appearances across the following two campaigns.

The versatile defender joined Hebburn on an initial loan in September 2025 and made an immediate impact, scoring on his first start before establishing himself as a regular in the Hornets side.

After returning to Victoria Park in December, Darcy scored his first senior goal for Pools in the Isuzu FA Trophy against Anstey Nomads.

He rejoined Hebburn in January 2026 and remained with the Hornets for the rest of the campaign, where he played an important role in a league-winning side.

Comfortable at centre-back, right-back and in defensive midfield, Darcy’s performances over the past year have provided a strong platform for the next stage of his career at Hartlepool United.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Campbell Darcy said:  “I’m delighted to get everything sorted and commit my future to Pools. 

“This football club has been a massive part of my life. I’ve grown up here, come through the Academy and made my senior debut here, so signing a new contract means a great deal to me. 

“The past 12 months have been massive for my development. Going to Hebburn and playing regular senior football gave me exactly what I needed. I came back from both spells feeling like I had improved so much as a player and I’d like to thank everyone there for the way they looked after me.

“Coming back this summer feels like a fresh start for everyone. Training has been brilliant and working under Lee Clark alongside the new players has been a fantastic experience. There’s a real buzz around the training ground and everyone is working incredibly hard. 

“For me, the aim is to stay in and around the First Team squad, keep improving and give the manager something to think about. I know I have to earn my chance, but if an opportunity comes, I’ll be ready to grab it with both hands and show what I can do.”

Darcy’s new deal continues Hartlepool United’s summer of squad building ahead of the 2026/27 National League campaign, following a series of new signings and contract renewals across Lee Clark’s squad.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “Campbell returned from his loan spell with some excellent reports and, having worked with him throughout pre-season, it’s easy to understand why.

“Playing regular senior football has clearly been important for him. He has applied himself extremely well, trained at a high level and shown a great attitude every day.

“We have a number of talented young players coming through our Academy and Campbell is certainly one of them. He has earned this new contract and everyone is pleased to see him commit his future to the football club.

“Now it is about continuing to improve and showing what he is capable of. Pre-season is an important period for every player and we are looking forward to seeing how Campbell progresses.”

Darcy’s new contract continues another positive summer for Hartlepool United’s Academy, following Harry Conyard, Noah Gilbraith, Jacob Penprase and Charlie Thornton signing their first professional contracts, while Kian Foreman continues his development on loan at Hebburn Town.

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Developing Academy players into First Team footballers is fundamental to the long-term vision for Pools and Campbell’s new contract reflects that commitment. 

“Our ambition is to build an enviornment where talented young players can see a genuine pathway from the Academy into the First Team.

“That is an important part of the Club’s future, but only players with the quality, attitude and commitment to compete at First Team level will make that step.

“Campbell’s development over the last 12 months is a really positive example of that process. Regular senior football at Hebburn provided an excellent platform for his development and the feedback from everyone involved has been consistently positive.

“We believe Campbell has the attributes, mentality and potential to continue developing and we’re looking forward to supporting the next stage of his career at Pools.”