All of Hartlepool United's 2026/27 signings so far graded and assessed

The veteran returned to Victoria Park in June more than a decade after a memorable loan spell, scoring four goals in eight games as Pools completed the 'Great Escape' from relegation under the legendary Ronnie Moore. The 34-year-old followed Lee Clark back to the North East having left Rotherham United after the Millers were relegated to League Two, their second successive relegation. With Pools targeting several high profile new attacking additions, Hugill was always expected to be a bit-part player and has so far scored twice in 15 appearances, 11 of which have come from the bench. The frontman bagged a brace as Pools beat managerless Forest Green Rovers last month, Pete Wild's first win as head coach, and has put himself about well enough whenever he'd been called up. That said, he unsurprisingly lacks dynamism and there have been times this season when he hasn't looked at his sharpest.