Hartlepool United have snatched up former Crawley Town star Adam Campbell ahead of their 2024/25 National League Campaign.
Part of the Red Devils’ promotion-winning campaign, the 29-year-old played 48 times and scored seven goals as Scott Lindsey’s side beat the odds and secured victory over Crewe Alexandra at Wembley.
He makes a return to the North East after one solitary season at Broadfield following his move from Gateshead last summer. Campbell has previously appeared twice for Pools during his days at Newcastle United, where he gained Premier League experience against Stoke City.
An England U19 international, he has EFL experience with Fleetwood Town, Carlisle United, Notts County and Morecambe across his playing career. He has European experience with Newcastle and has also played in the Scottish Premiership with St Mirren.
Following a switch to non-league football with Darlington, Campbell then joined Gateshead as they won the National League North title and quickly followed that up with an FA Trophy final appearance but fell 1-0 to FC Halifax Town at Wembley.
Crawley snatched up the attacking midfielder for an undisclosed fee and sealed promotion in a historic win at Wembley for the Sussex club. He played 55 minutes against the Railwaymen before being substituted for Ronan Darcy.
Town offered Campbell new terms but he rejected the offer in favour of a move to Hartlepool, which will start on the 1st of July. He is the fourth name to come in at Victoria Park, including former Harrogate Town man Nathan Sheron.
Upon joining, he told club media: “I’m really excited to be here. I know some of the players and staff here already, and from meeting the gaffer I can’t wait to get going.
“I play better football when I’m happy and settled, so moving back home was a big factor in the move. But I wouldn’t come here if the ambition didn’t align with mine – I want to help get this club back into the Football League.”
Writer’s View
Adam Campbell is a bit of a shock transfer. For a player who has just secured promotion, to move down two divisions to join Hartlepool United is a coup for the club. Obviously location has been a big factor in his move, so Pools have got a high-quality player for the level.
Hartlepool struggled to bounce back immediately from their relegation from League Two last season, and with the way Sutton United and Barnet are shaping up a title charge does seem unlikely. A playoff berth is achievable for Darren Sarll’s side, and as The Hive-based club proved against Solihull Moors, anything can happen in post-season football.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
