Brooklyn Ilunga says the ambition being shown throughout Hartlepool United and the vision for the future made his decision to move to Victoria Park an easy one.
The 22-year-old became Lee Clark’s latest summer addition after agreeing a two-year deal with Pools following the expiry of his contract at Bromley.
Having already accumulated more than 100 senior appearances across the Football League and National League despite his young age, Ilunga arrives eager to play his part in what he believes could be an exciting season for the Club.
“I’m excited really,” he said.
“I’m happy to be here and ready to get to work.
“Speaking with the Director and speaking with the Gaffer, once I got an understanding of how big the Club is and the project that wants to happen here, I just thought it would be a perfect fit for me.”
Ilunga is the latest player to highlight the ambition being built at Hartlepool United this summer and admits the plans for the future played a major role in convincing him to make the move north.
“One hundred per cent,” he said when asked about the project.
“I feel like exciting times are ahead and the season is going to be a very good one.
“That was a massive attraction for me and I just wanted to be part of it.”
Comfortable operating at full-back, wing-back or further forward on the left-hand side, Ilunga has built a reputation for his athleticism, attacking intent and ability to create opportunities for teammates.
Asked what supporters can expect from him, the former MK Dons Academy Player of the Year believes he can bring both excitement and creativity to the team.
“I’m a skilful player who likes to excite the fans,” he said.
“Most importantly, I want to create chances for my strikers and teammates to score goals.
“I want to come here, make an impact and help the team as much as I can.”
Despite still being only 22, Ilunga already boasts significant experience across a variety of levels, including League One, League Two and the National League.
The left-sided player believes those experiences have prepared him well for the next step in his career.
“Massively,” he said.
“I’ve played in the National League and had a lot of experience in League Two as well.
“I think all of that helps and now I’m coming here to really make an impact and help the boys.”
Having spent the majority of his career in and around London, a move to the North East represents a fresh challenge, but Ilunga admits the opportunity at Hartlepool outweighed any concerns about relocating.
“As I said, there was so much attraction to come here,” he explained.
“Coming up north wasn’t really one of the biggest factors for me.
“I just wanted to be here.”
Ilunga also revealed that conversations with Lee Clark further reinforced his belief that Hartlepool United was the right destination.
“They were really good,” he said.
“Understanding how we want to play, the way the team plays and everything around that, I just got excited hearing it.”
And with preparations now underway for the new campaign, Ilunga is already looking forward to experiencing Victoria Park as a home player for the first time.
“I can’t wait to meet the fans and get going,” he said.
“It’ll be fun.”
