Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of defender Cameron John following the expiry of his contract with York City.

The 26-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 until June 2028, subject to the relevant registration approvals.

Comfortable at left-back, left wing-back and left-sided centre-back, John is no stranger to Pools supporters after spending last season on loan at the Club from York City.

The Romford native began his footballing journey in the Southend United Academy before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2015, where he spent five years progressing through one of English football’s leading academy systems.

John’s breakthrough into senior football came during the 2019/20 season when he joined Doncaster Rovers on loan. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, including his first senior strike in the EFL Trophy.

Doncaster quickly secured his services on a permanent basis and he went on to make 66 appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists across three seasons in League One and domestic cup competitions.

In search of regular first-team football, John joined Rochdale in the summer of 2022. Despite a challenging period for the club, he established himself as one of the side’s most dependable performers, making 54 appearances across League Two and the National League while contributing five assists.

Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, John joined York City and quickly became a key figure in one of the National League’s strongest defensive units, helping the Minstermen secure a second-place finish before narrowly missing out on promotion through the National League Play-Offs.

A season-long move to Victoria Park followed, where John quickly established himself as one of Pools’ most influential players. He made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice while playing a key role throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Still only 26, John returns to Victoria Park in the prime of his career with almost 200 senior appearances across the Football League and National League, having established himself as one of the division’s most reliable left-sided defenders.

Speaking after completing his permanent return to Hartlepool United, Cameron John said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back. I really enjoyed my time here last season and, when it came to an end, I always hoped there would be an opportunity to return.

“A lot has changed over the summer, but in a really positive way. There are still plenty of familiar faces around the dressing room, but you can tell there’s a fresh energy around the club and everyone is looking forward to the season ahead.

“I’ve kept an eye on everything that’s been happening since the end of last season and it’s been exciting to see the progress the club has made, both on and off the pitch. The players who’ve come in will add real quality and competition, and that can only be a good thing for us.

“The supporters played a massive part in my decision as well. They were brilliant with me from the moment I arrived last season and I loved playing in front of them. When Victoria Park is full and everyone gets behind the team, it’s one of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced and it gives you a real lift as a player.

“I know the expectations that come with playing for Pools and that’s exactly how it should be. As players, it’s up to us to meet those levels and give the supporters a team they can be proud of.

“I can’t wait to get started now, see the lads again and do everything I can to help the team have a successful season. There’s a real sense of optimism around the club and hopefully we can give our supporters plenty to cheer about over the months ahead.”

John becomes the latest addition to Lee Clark’s squad ahead of the new National League season, joining Jordan Hugill, Liam Gibson, 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: “I’m delighted to bring Cam back to the football club because he’s a player we really wanted.

“You only have to look at what he did here last season. He was one of the best defenders in the National League and his performances showed exactly what he can bring to a team. When a player performs at that level and you get the chance to sign him permanently, it’s one you want to make happen.

“The fact he’s been here before is another big plus. He knows the club, he knows the supporters and he settled in really well last season, so he’ll be able to hit the ground running.

“He’s still only 26 but he’s already got plenty of Football League and National League experience behind him. He’s naturally left-sided, can play in a few different positions and gives us real quality and depth across the back line.

“I also know how keen Cam was to come back. He loved his time here last season and made no secret of the fact he wanted to return. When a player is that enthusiastic about coming back to your football club, it’s always a positive.

“We’re all delighted to have him back. The supporters know exactly what he’ll bring because they saw it for themselves last season and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Cam was someone we made a real priority once it became clear he was available.

“We knew exactly what he’d given the club during his loan spell last season. He was one of the standout defenders in the National League and his performances meant there was always going to be strong interest in him once his contract came to an end.

“We had to be patient because there were a number of clubs looking at him, but throughout the conversations we had with Cam it was clear he genuinely wanted to come back to Pools. That certainly helped because we knew we had a player who was fully committed to returning.

“When we’re building a squad, we’re looking for players who improve us straight away and fit the profile we’re looking for. Cam was exactly that. He’s naturally left-sided, comfortable in a number of defensive positions, has excellent experience for someone who’s still only 26 and, just as importantly, we know exactly what he’ll bring to the group.

“We’re delighted to have him back. He improves the squad, adds real quality in an important area of the pitch and I’m sure our supporters will be just as pleased as we are to see him back at Victoria Park.”