Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Nathan Fisher following the expiry of his contract with Middlesbrough, subject to the relevant registration approvals.
The 21-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year through to June 2028.
Fisher earned his move to Pools after impressing Lee Clark and his coaching staff throughout pre-season, having trained with the squad in recent weeks.
The Newcastle-born goalkeeper arrives at Victoria Park after spending the last five years within Middlesbrough’s Category One Academy.
Having joined the Championship club from Sunderland in 2021, he progressed through the Under-18 and Under-21 ranks, making 41 competitive appearances across the Under-18 Premier League, Premier League 2, FA Youth Cup and National League Cup while establishing himself as a regular at Premier League 2 level.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Fisher is a commanding goalkeeper who is comfortable coming for crosses, confident with the ball at his feet and capable of playing an important role in building attacks from the back.
Speaking after completing his move to Hartlepool United, Nathan Fisher said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Pools. Having been in with the lads for most of pre-season, it didn’t take me long to realise this was where I wanted to take the next step in my career.
“There’s a real buzz around the place and everyone has made me feel welcome from day one. Lee and all the coaching staff have been brilliant with me, while working with Adam Smith has been a massive positive. He’s a top goalkeeping coach and I’ve already learned a lot from him in a short space of time.
“I’m from the North East, so I know exactly the size of this football club and how much it means to the supporters. You can see the ambition around the club as soon as you walk through the door and that’s something that really stood out to me.
“I’ve spent the last five years learning my trade at Middlesbrough and now I feel ready for senior football. Training every day alongside Max and the other goalkeepers will only help me keep improving, and that’s exactly the environment I wanted to be in.
“Now it’s down to me to keep working hard, keep learning and take this opportunity with both hands. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt, play in front of the supporters at Victoria Park and do everything I can to help the team this season.”
Fisher becomes the latest addition to Lee Clark’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, joining fellow new arrivals Max Merrick, Cameron John, Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan, Owen Hampson, Chris Popov, Will Harris, Charlie Penman, Brooklyn Ilunga, Corey McKeown, Terry Bondo and Neo Eccleston at Victoria Park.
Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “Nathan has earned this opportunity through the way he has applied himself during his time with us in pre-season.”
“He came into the group with a great attitude and has impressed us with the way he has trained, conducted himself and responded to everything that has been asked of him. He’s a talented young goalkeeper with good physical attributes, who’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and has a real desire to keep learning and improving.
“Adam Smith has worked closely with Nathan over the last few weeks and has been really impressed with his potential. We believe this is the right environment for him to continue his development, while also providing strong competition within our goalkeeping department.
“Nathan has spent a number of years within an excellent academy system at Middlesbrough and is now ready to make the transition into senior football. He is hungry, ambitious and understands that he will have to work hard every day, but we are delighted to have him with us and look forward to helping him progress.”
Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Hartlepool United, added: “We’re delighted to complete Nathan’s signing after seeing first-hand the qualities he has displayed during pre-season.
“Nathan has spent the last five years in an outstanding academy environment at Middlesbrough, giving him an excellent grounding as he takes the next step into senior football.
“He has shown a real desire to be at this football club. His attitude has been first class, he has embraced every opportunity and has done more than enough to impress everyone within the football department.
“Adam Smith has really enjoyed working closely with Nathan throughout pre-season and has been encouraged by the way he has responded to the coaching and demands placed upon him.
“Goalkeepers develop with experience and, at 21, Nathan has an excellent platform to build from. We believe Pools provides the right environment, coaching and support for him to continue learning, progressing and fulfilling his potential.”
