Hartlepool United is pleased to confirm that terms have been agreed with Luke Charman on a new contract ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, subject to the relevant approvals.

The agreement would keep the forward at the Prestige Group Stadium until June 2027, with the Club holding the option of a further year through to the summer of 2028.

The deal represents the first piece of business overseen by newly appointed First Team Head Coach Lee Clark following his appointment earlier this month, as preparations continue to intensify behind the scenes ahead of the new season.

Charman has become a key figure for Pools since arriving at the Club in June 2024, making 66 appearances and contributing seven goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

Before suffering a season-ending injury during February’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Solihull Moors, the 28-year-old contributed three goals and four assists in 26 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.

Capable of operating both centrally and in wide attacking areas, the Durham-born attacker progressed through the Academy system at Newcastle United, scoring 18 goals in 64 appearances for the Club’s Under-21 side.

He went on to gain senior experience with Accrington Stanley and Rochdale before enjoying a prolific spell with Darlington, where he scored 19 goals in 33 appearances, prior to helping AFC Fylde secure the National League North title in 2023.

Luke Charman said: “I’m really pleased to get the new contract sorted and stay at Pools.

“It’s been frustrating being out injured because I felt I was in a really good place before it happened, but the support I’ve had from everyone around the Club has been brilliant and that’s meant a lot to me during recovery.

“I’ve had some really positive conversations with Lee Clark and Chris Maxwell since everything was agreed and you can tell straight away how driven they are to move things forward here.

“The manager spoke about how he wants the team to play, the intensity he wants from the group, the standards he expects every single day and building a team the supporters can really get behind.

“For me personally, those conversations have given me even more motivation to work hard through rehab because all I want to do now is get back fit, come back stronger and help the Club have a really positive season.

“There’s a really good feeling around the place already and I’m excited to be part of what’s ahead.”

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United said: “Luke is a player we wanted to retain and I’m pleased we’ve agreed terms with him.

“As we continue preparing for the new campaign, it’s important we keep players who understand the demands and expectations that come with representing Pools.

“From speaking with Luke, it’s clear he’s fully committed to the football club and what we’re trying to build here.

“He’s a player with very good experience at this level, versatility across the front line and the type of mentality we want within the dressing room.

“This is the first step in putting together a squad that supporters can be proud of, a group that will work hard, compete properly and represent this football club in the right way every time they pull on the shirt.

“I’m looking forward to working with Luke once pre-season starts and I’ve no doubt he has the ability to score goals and create chances for us next season.

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners said: “Luke is someone we identified early as an important player to retain as part of the Club’s plans moving forward.

“He already understands the expectations and demands that come with representing Pools and we believe he has a big role to play within the squad.

“Luke has already shown the qualities we want this squad to have, both on and off the pitch, and retaining players with that mentality is important as we continue shaping the environment  around the First Team.

“His attitude and commitment throughout his time at the club have been excellent and that tells you a lot about his character.

“We want a squad that can compete, improve every day and give supporters a team they can believe in again, and retaining Luke is another positive step in that process.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Luke make an important contribution for us again next season because we know the qualities he can bring to the group.”