Hartlepool United head coach Anthony Limbrick has played down speculation that forward Adam Campbell could be set for a return to Gateshead.
Campbell, who joined Pools in the summer after helping Crawley Town earn promotion from League Two, has endured a frustrating campaign on Teesside. The 30-year-old, who was born in North Shields, was expected to be a key player for Hartlepool but has struggled to live up to expectations, managing just three goals in 35 appearances.
The former Newcastle United academy graduate previously spent time on loan at Gateshead before joining the Tyneside club permanently in 2021. He became a fan favourite during his two-season stay, scoring 12 goals in the club’s 2021/22 National League North title-winning campaign.
Campbell unsettled amid challenging season
Despite his pedigree, Campbell’s return to the North East hasn’t gone as planned. Under Darren Sarll, he found himself out of position on the left wing and cut a frustrated figure. Though veteran coach Lennie Lawrence offered brief respite, the arrival of Limbrick hasn’t led to a turnaround in form.
With Anthony Mancini’s return pushing Campbell out of the starting line-up, rumours have emerged that a move back to Gateshead could be on the cards, especially with the Heed looking to strengthen under new manager Carl Magnay. The club has lost five on the bounce and is expected to be active before Thursday’s transfer deadline, having already brought in striker Frank Nouble from Yeovil.
However, speaking to BBC Radio Tees Sport, Limbrick insisted he was unaware of any plans for Campbell to depart.
“I haven’t heard that one, that’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
Campbell’s strong ties to Gateshead, combined with their urgent need for reinforcements and a looming takeover led by former Premier League striker Victor Anichebe, have only added fuel to the speculation. But at least for now, Limbrick appears to be planning for the final stretch of the season with Campbell in his squad.
Writer’s view
Adam Campbell’s career has always been one of near-misses and untapped promise, and this season at Hartlepool has followed a familiar pattern. A player of his technical quality and movement should be a major asset at this level, but it’s never quite clicked under Limbrick.
A return to Gateshead, where he previously thrived, would make perfect sense on paper—especially with the Heed needing inspiration in their faltering play-off push. Whether it materialises before Thursday’s deadline may depend more on Gateshead’s ambitions than Hartlepool’s willingness to let go.
