Hartlepool United’s short-term association with Crystal Palace loanee Roshaun Mathurin has come to an end, with the winger returning to Selhurst Park after his loan spell expired.
Mathurin departs Pools having made a modest impact, as manager Lennie Lawrence confirmed the departure was handled amicably.
High Hopes, Limited Opportunities
The 20-year-old winger arrived at Hartlepool with much promise after stints in the academies of Chelsea and Tottenham. Mathurin had even travelled with Spurs’ first team during their 2022/23 pre-season tour before signing for Crystal Palace in 2023. He impressed at under-21 level for the Eagles, scoring 11 goals in 38 games, and briefly made it into a Premier League squad under manager Oliver Glasner.
Supporters were optimistic when Mathurin joined Hartlepool, particularly after an assist against Boston and a lively cameo versus Halifax. However, as the season progressed, his opportunities dwindled. Mathurin managed just nine National League appearances—three as a starter—and struggled to find the net. A series of indifferent performances against Maidenhead and Tamworth further limited his chances.
“He’s gone back to Palace. He was a good lad, he tried hard and we did our best with him. I wish him luck in the future, he needs to go somewhere he can play regular football,” said manager Lennie Lawrence.
A Mutually Respectful Exit
By December, Mathurin’s exclusion from matchday squads became frequent, culminating in a five-game stint on the bench before being left out entirely. Despite the challenges, Lawrence praised the winger’s work ethic and expressed willingness to support his career moving forward.
“The opportunities weren’t really here for him enough,” Lawrence admitted. “I didn’t want to keep him about when he’s a long way from home and he probably wasn’t going to be involved. It was all amicable.”
Writer’s View
Mathurin’s time at Hartlepool highlights the challenges young players face when adapting to senior football. While his potential remains evident, the lack of consistent minutes stifled his development. Crystal Palace must now decide whether to seek another loan move or integrate him into their setup. For Hartlepool, this is a reminder of the need to carefully match loanees to the team’s tactical and positional requirements.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
