With an impressive career to his name including five promotions, Hartlepool United are thrilled to confirm the signing of towering striker Gary Madine, subject to FA ratification.
Madine holds an illustrious record having spent 16 seasons exclusively in the top three divisions of English football with nearly 500 appearances and scoring over 100 goals.
The forward, born in the North East, shone for Carlisle United in League One as a youngster before gaining a move to Sheffield Wednesday. He spent 5 years at the Owls’ and was their top scorer in 2011/12 season as they gained promotion into the Championship.
Madine then spent three years with Bolton Wanders making over 100 appearances and adding another promotion into the Championship to his CV in 2017.
Subsequently he earned a move to Championship side Cardiff City where he went on to help the Bluebirds gain promotion into the Premier League in 2018. After appearances with Cardiff in the top-flight, he joined Sheffield United on loan and immediately supported the club to a second-place finish in the Championship, which meant back-to-back promotions into the Premier League for Madine on a personal level.
Madine spent his last four seasons at Blackpool, again making over 100 appearances and playing a key role as the club won the League One play-offs in 2021 and established itself in the Championship in seasons to follow.
The striker missed most of last season with an injury and has been training with a League One side during this pre-season.
Madine has been on the target list of Head of Football Operations Joe Monks and Manager Darren Sarll for some time now, with the aim of enhancing both the quality and experience in the squad and ultimately supporting the club with its goal to return to EFL.
Madine will wear the number 9 shirt at The Prestige Group Stadium this season.
Pools Manager Darren Sarll commented on the signing:
“Gary’s career and qualities literally speak for themselves – it is the easiest description I’ll have to provide for a player. His goals, technical ability, physicality and his location made this an important acquisition. It further shows our ambition to push on and the backing we are getting from the owner to make these signings.”
“Gary, will need a measured and intelligent introduction to match play whilst he continues to evolve physically and strengthens previous injured areas. Once he is fully match-prepared, he’ll provide a service that will be a real benefit to the existing group but also our ability to retain a style of play for the entire campaign.”
“Gary’s warmth and charisma has impressed me and I’m delighted he’s chosen us when he had other Football League options. It shows that our patience in recruitment is a virtue and that we are starting to build an environment that players want to be part of.”
Gary Madine commented on his arrival saying:
“I’m really delighted to be joining Pools and I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I’ve been out for some time now so I’m itching to get back out there. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
“Joe Monks reached out to me again a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to come into training. I just got a good feeling straight away. The gaffer’s really lively and was keen to get me in – it’s nice to feel wanted. I’ve settled in easily and I can’t want to get out there and score some goals.”
