Hartlepool United are closing in on the permanent return of former midfielder Gavan Holohan from League Two side Crawley Town on a free transfer.
The experienced midfielder has promotion-winning experience in the National League, but has struggled for minutes with Crawley this season, and it appears as though he’s played his final game for the fourth tier side.
Meanwhile, Hartlepool are chasing the play-off places in the National League despite a goalless draw with Brackley Town at the weekend and are now under new ownership following a successful takeover.
Hartlepool closing in on transfer reunion
After almost four-years away from the National League side, Holohan appears to be closing in on a return to Hartlepool United.
This is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who confirmed that the 34-year-old is in talks with Crawley Town to mutually terminate his contract at the club – in order for him to return to Hartlepool on a permanent deal.
Holohan has been with Crawley since July 2024, after joining on a free transfer from Grimsby Town – where he played a key role in helping them return to the EFL after beating Solihull Moors in the National League play-off final.
The Irishman has made 17 appearances across all competitions for Crawley this season, but has struggled to earn starts and is yet to contribute to a goal or assist for the club.
His existing deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season and given his lack of regular minutes and goal contributions, it is likely that he would have become a free agent in the summer regardless.
How big of an impact could he have for Hartlepool?
Currently, Hartlepool find themselves ninth in the National League standings, just three points off the play-off places with 17 matches still to play.
However, despite a resolute defensive line, the club have scored just 32 goals which is the fifth lowest in the entire division and the lowest in the top half. If the club want to reach the play-off places, they’ll need to add more goals in the final third and signing a creative outlet like Holohan can help that.
The 34-year-old knows the club well and has a pre-established relationship with supporters, making his transition back to the club smoother than a usual addition.
Similarly, he can operate in a box-to-box role, which is something the club have lacked this season. Similarly, since losing Anthony Mancini in the summer to Rochdale, there has been a noticeable gap in the attacking midfield area – which is something that Holohan can help to fill.
If he can reestablish his goal contributions like he did in his previous National League spell, Hartlepool have a great opportunity on paper to strengthen their top seven aspirations – especially with there being 51 points still to play for.