The Poolie Bunker

Do we know if either of these two are staying on at Pools?

I may have missed the announcement what with all the recent speculation and excitement of new signings.

Hunter and Charman, the other two who were in talks have obviously signed up, though don't recall hearing whether the other two had agreed new terms?

Haven't seen anything. Similar to Featherstone.

Perhaps waiting until their contracts run out before announcing? Doesn't look like they will be with no news.

Normally if there is a long gap with no news, the player is out of the door. End of last season Joe Grey left for York after a long silence and going back a little, Rhys Oates left for Mansfield after a protracted will he, wont he, hiatus.

No, there's been nothing in any media and the First Team and Staff sections of the OS are 'Not Found'. There's full information on the Academy and 'Womens' Team sections though

Hard to imagine why Campbell Darcy wouldn't take up the offer of a contract, unless Hebburn Town have offered him more money to sign permanently with them!

He could be considered full time employment away from professional football while still getting a very good match day wage from Hebburn.

if its the money he is after and he does not think he,ll make the efl then thats still the bet road to go down.

Might be as simple as he wants to play football. However good a prospect he is, I can't see him getting in the first team next season. Listening to his interviews last season while at Hebburn, looked like he was enjoying himself there, and they're only a league below us now. Playing regularly ar a decent level might be better for him than being a squad player here. I have been impressed by what I've seen of him, he looks decent.

It reminds me of last season when the talks with David Ferguson fizzled out. From what ive seen and heard off players who have played with him, I don't think Darcy is good enough for the National league. It would probably be a good move for him if he signed for Hebburn.

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.


https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/smit ... -to-pools/

Think that takes us up to 12 players signed up, and also removes the need to play rush keeper!

Only Darcy left to decide on his offer.

Let's have Harris announced tomorrow

I hope Smith holding on to his player registration doesn't rule out Pools getting a couple of new keepers in for the start of the season, on loan or whatever.

Smithy only started 2 games in 25/26 - the FA Trophy game against Anstey Nomads and the last game of the season... He doesn't provide serious competition for the first team jersey.

Im figuring Smith is going to be back up keeper, and we have a 'number 1' waiting in the wings.

I don’t think it’s an issue as his role is clearly defined as ‘Goalkeeping Coach’ that you may put between the sticks only in a dire emergency backup.
New keeper/keepers must be in the pipeline.

can see things going to be like last season regarding keepers. a good loanee hopefully who will be replaced by a similar one if they get injured with smith only seeing out the game if the injury happens during a game. with the ability to bring in a keepr on an emergency loan anythime there is no need to waste a wage having two on the books.

Depends on the calibre of the first-choice keeper.

Cartwright and Evans conceded less than a goal a game in the 26 times they played for us.

Hayes let in getting on for 2 goals a game in his 19 appearances and was rightly binned off at the end of the season.

He should have been dropped after the 7-0 shocker at Wealdstone, which is the worst performance by a Pools keeper I think I've ever seen. But with Smithy as back up, Hayes kept his place

Clark needs to learn from that this season if he's serious about a play-off run. When Challinor got us promoted, if Killip or Ravas had a bad game they got dropped. Simple.

Smith just signed a 1 year contract.