Corey McKeown admits Hartlepool United’s ambition, clear vision and passionate support made the decision to join the Club an easy one after completing his move to Victoria Park.

The 24-year-old winger became Pools’ fourth signing of the summer after agreeing a one-year deal until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year.

Arriving with more than 200 senior appearances to his name and following an impressive spell at Spennymoor Town, McKeown says his first conversations with the Club immediately sparked his interest.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” he said.

“As soon as I got the message, I knew Gary Liddle was here and that sparked massive interest from me straight away because of how big the club is.

“Then I got a message from the gaffer shortly after and from then I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be.”

McKeown previously worked under Lee Clark during his time at Blyth Spartans, where the Pools Head Coach handed him an opportunity in senior football as a teenager.

That existing relationship, combined with the Club’s ambitions for the future, played a major role in convincing him that Victoria Park was the right place for the next stage of his career.

“When I came in and spoke to the gaffer, it was mainly about the ambition the club has and getting back into the Football League,” he explained.

“It aligns with everything I want to do and my own ambitions as a player.

“There’s a real plan here and that’s something that really attracted me.”

Having established himself as one of National League North’s most consistent attacking performers during his time with Spennymoor Town, McKeown arrives determined to make an impact in blue and white.

Known for his direct style, creativity and attacking threat, he is eager to entertain supporters and contribute in the final third.

“I like to excite the fans,” he said.

“I like to dribble, create goals and create opportunities for my teammates.

“And no matter where I’m playing, I’ll always give 100 per cent.”

McKeown’s football journey began at Blyth Spartans, where Clark first brought him into senior football at the age of 17.

Reflecting on that opportunity, the winger acknowledged the role his former manager played in helping launch his career.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the gaffer,” he said.

“He brought me in at Blyth when I was 17 and that was really my foot in the door in football.

“Hopefully I can repay that faith this season.”

Despite still being only 24, McKeown arrives at Victoria Park with significant experience under his belt, having spent the last seven years competing regularly in National League North.

After making 150 appearances for Spennymoor Town and earning the Club’s Supporters’ Player of the Season award last term, he believes the time is right to test himself at the next level.

“The gaffer brought me in when I was 17 and I’ve been playing in National League North ever since,” he said.

“I feel I’ve got more than enough experience now and I believe I’m ready to step up.

“For me, this is definitely the right time.”

The prospect of playing in front of the Hartlepool United supporters is another challenge McKeown is relishing, having been impressed by the atmosphere generated at Victoria Park.

“The fans look absolutely amazing and they fill out the stadium,” he said.

“It’s going to be really exciting for me next season.

“At Spennymoor, the fans gave me a lot of confidence and hopefully I’ll get the same here.”