Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm that Adam Smith has signed a new agreement with the Club ahead of the 2026/27 season, extending his stay at Victoria Park as both player and First Team Goalkeeping Coach.
The experienced goalkeeper has signed terms on a new one-year playing and coaching contract through to June 2027, with the Club holding an option for a further year.
The agreement represents another important early step in shaping Pools’ football structure ahead of the new campaign following the appointment of Lee Clark as Head Coach.
Smith joined Pools in August 2024 following a successful trial period and has since made 33 appearances for the Club, while also combining his playing responsibilities with coaching duties after being appointed First Team Goalkeeping Coach in October 2024.
After progressing through the academy systems at Middlesbrough and Leicester City, Smith helped Cambridge United secure promotion to the Football League in 2014 before playing an important role in Northampton Town’s 2015/16 League Two title-winning campaign.
The 33-year-old has also represented clubs including Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers, Stevenage, Morecambe and Yeovil Town, bringing extensive EFL and National League experience, having made more than 300 senior appearances across the professional game.
Adam Smith said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be staying at Hartlepool United.
“Since arriving at Pools, I’ve built a real connection with the football club both on and off the pitch and it was important for me to continue that journey.
“I’ve loved the responsibility of combining the playing side with the coaching role and I’m grateful for the trust the Club has shown in me to continue developing both areas moving forward.
“The supporters have been brilliant with me since the day I arrived and you can feel how much this football club means to people.
“There’s a real sense of ambition and positivity around the place heading into the new season and, after speaking with Lee Clark, you can immediately see the standards and mentality he wants to create throughout the football club.
“As players and staff, that gives everyone real belief in what we’re trying to build moving forward and I’m excited to continue being part of that.”
Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United said: “Adam impressed me straight away when we sat down and discussed his role within the football club and what he can bring both as a player and as part of the coaching staff.
“He’s experienced, professional and someone who understands the standards and mentality you need around a successful environment every single day.
“As a goalkeeper, he gives us important experience and strength in depth within that area of the squad, while his knowledge of the game and coaching ability are also hugely valuable around the First Team environment.
“When you’re building a football club, it’s important to have good people around the environment and Adam is certainly someone who brings those qualities.
“We’re delighted he’ll continue being part of what we’re building ahead of the new season.”
Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners said: “Adam brings real value to the football club because of the contribution he can make both on the playing side and within the coaching structure.
“As a goalkeeper, he gives us important experience, leadership and strength in depth within the squad heading into the new season.
“At the same time, his professionalism, knowledge of the game and understanding of high-performance environments make him a really valuable part of the wider coaching structure.
“We’re delighted he’ll continue being part of what we’re building moving forward.”
