Hartlepool United have completed the loan signing of Charlie Caton from Accrington Stanley for the remainder of the 2025/26 season
The 22-year-old forward arrives at the Prestige Group Stadium after agreeing personal terms and completing a medical.
A product of Shrewsbury Town’s academy, Caton made 17 senior appearances before establishing himself at Chester following a loan move in October 2022.
The transfer was made permanent the following summer and he went on to score 26 goals in 79 National League North appearances, including 14 during the 2024/25 campaign to finish joint-top of the division’s scoring charts.
His performances earned a move to League Two side Accrington Stanley in January 2025, where he has made 40 appearances across league and domestic cup competition, scoring four goals this season.
In total, Caton has made 139 senior appearances and scored 30 goals across his spells with Shrewsbury Town, Chester and Accrington Stanley.
Speaking after signing for Pools, Charlie Caton said: “As soon as I heard there was an opportunity to come here, it was something I wanted to pursue straight away. It’s a club with strong support, clear ambition and an impressive set-up and that stood out to me immediately.
“Speaking to Nicky was a big factor in the decision. He was very clear about my role and what he expects from me and that’s to score goals and make a difference in the final third. He’s shown real faith in my ability to deliver that and I’m determined to repay that trust.
“There’s a lot still to play for this season and that excites me. The objective is clear. We want to keep pushing and make sure we stay in the fight for a play-off place. I’m ready to get started and make an impact as quickly as possible.”
Caton becomes Pools’ fifth signing of the January window and the Club’s third addition of 2026, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Southend United, former fan favourite Gavan Holohan from Crawley Town, attacker Tyrese Sinclair on loan from York City and Calvin Okike on a work experience loan from Hull City.
Nicky Featherstone, First Team Manager, added: “We were clear that we wanted to strengthen our front line and add genuine quality, and Charlie fits that profile. He has demonstrated consistent goalscoring at National League North level and has carried that threat into League Two, which is important for us at this stage of the season.
“He has built up significant senior experience and understands the demands of competing at a high level. We believe he has the attributes, mentality and work ethic to make an immediate impact. The expectation is clear. We want him to bring that goal threat here and help drive us forward over the remainder of the season.”
