Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of Jordan Hugill following the expiry of his contract with Rotherham United.

The 34-year-old centre-forward has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park through to June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year until June 2028.

The move will be formally completed when the transfer window opens on 1 July.

Hugill becomes Lee Clark’s first signing as Hartlepool United Head Coach and arrives at Victoria Park with one of the most accomplished playing CVs in the National League, having made more than 450 senior appearances, scored 94 career goals, recorded over 300 Championship appearances and played in the Premier League.

The striker returns to Hartlepool more than a decade after a memorable loan spell in 2015, when his four goals in eight appearances helped secure the Club’s Football League status, including the decisive winner against Exeter City in the home clash.

The Middlesbrough-born striker has built an outstanding career across the Football League and arrives at Pools with a wealth of experience gained over more than a decade in the professional game.

After emerging through the non-league game, Hugill established himself at Preston North End, where he scored 30 goals in 114 appearances before earning a £10 million move to Premier League side West Ham United in January 2018.

He would go on to represent Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City and Rotherham United, while also playing a key role in Norwich City’s Championship title-winning promotion campaign in 2020/21.

Hugill joins Pools following a three-and-a-half-year spell with Rotherham United, where he made 129 appearances and scored 17 goals while establishing himself as a respected senior figure both on and off the pitch.

He also worked closely with Head Coach Lee Clark during his time at Rotherham United, with the pair now reunited following Clark’s appointment as Hartlepool United Head Coach.

Speaking after agreeing terms with Pools, Jordan Hugill said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Hartlepool United.

 “I have great memories of my previous spell at the Club and scoring the goal against Exeter that helped keep Pools in the Football League is something I’ll always remember.

“Even after I left, I always kept an eye on the Club because it was a place that meant a lot to me and somewhere I always hoped would be successful.

“Having worked with Lee recently at Rotherham, I already knew the type of manager he is and the environment he creates. I really enjoyed working with him and when he spoke to me about Hartlepool and what he wants to achieve here, I had no hesitation about wanting to be part of it.

“This is a massive football club with a passionate fanbase and, in my opinion, it’s a club that should be competing at a higher level. But football doesn’t work on reputation alone and no club has a given right to be in the Football League. 

“Success has to be earned and that’s what appealed to me about this opportunity. There are a lot of good people at this football club who are determined to move it forward and get it back where everybody wants it to be.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a good career and experience a lot in the game, but I’m coming here because I still have the hunger to compete, score goals and help the team win football matches.

“My aim is simple. I want to contribute as many goals as I can, help the team be successful and do everything possible to help Hartlepool get back into the Football League.

“I know what this football club means to the supporters and I can’t wait to get started, play in front of them again and do my part to help make it a successful season.”

The arrival of the experienced centre-forward represents a significant statement of intent from the Club and another important step in shaping the squad for the season ahead, following the retention of key players Luke Charman and Jack Hunter.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said:  “Jordan is a significant signing for this football club and we’re delighted to bring him to Hartlepool United.

“When you’re talking about a player with his pedigree, experience and reputation in the game, it’s obvious why we were so keen to bring him here.

“He’s played at the highest level, amassed hundreds of appearances in the Championship and built an outstanding career through hard work, commitment and a real desire to succeed.

“Having worked closely with him at Rotherham, I know exactly what he will bring to our squad. His quality as a player is there for everyone to see, but what impressed me most was his professionalism, his mentality and his desire to win. 

“He’s a leader, a strong character and somebody who understands what it takes to be successful. The results from his medical and physical testing were outstanding, which tells you everything you need to know about how he looks after himself and how determined he remains to achieve things in the game.

“Jordan gives us a real presence at the top end of the pitch. He’s a handful for defenders, occupies opposition back lines and creates space for the players around him. He can score goals, create opportunities for others and brings a different dimension to our attacking play.

“Players with Jordan’s experience and pedigree don’t become available very often, so we’re delighted to bring him to Pools. He knows this football club, understands what it means to represent Pools and shares our ambition to help move the Club forward.

“I’m sure our supporters will be excited to see him back in a Pools shirt and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact he can make both on and off the pitch throughout the season ahead.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Jordan is a player we’ve been working hard to bring to the football club for some time, so we’re delighted to get the deal agreed. 

“To attract a player of his calibre, experience and reputation is a real statement of intent from Pools. It shows the type of player we want to bring to this football club and the level of ambition we have as we continue building a squad capable of delivering success.

“I know Jordan personally from our time playing together and I know exactly the type of character he is. He’s a top professional, a great teammate and somebody you want in your dressing room. He has high expectations of himself and those around him, and those qualities are invaluable.

“Supporters will look at his career and see the clubs he’s represented and the level he’s played at, but what excites me most is what he can bring to this group.  

“He’s a real handful for defenders, creates problems for opposition back lines and has the ability to score goals, create chances and bring others into the game. 

“We believe he’ll have a huge impact both on and off the pitch and we’re excited to see him in a Pools shirt.

“Jordan is the first addition to the squad this summer and we’ll continue working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the group further as we prepare for the season ahead.”