Hartlepool United have turned down the opportunity to sign one of their trialists and remain on the hunt for other players in that particular area.
The National League side have welcomed a handful of different trialists throughout the summer so far as Darren Sarll continues to prepare for his first campaign as Hartlepool United manager after replacing Kevin Phillips during the close season.
However, the new manager has revealed one player that won’t be making a permanent switch to the football club following a trial period.
Hartlepool turn down Smith
As confirmed via his interview (quotes via the Hartlepool Mail), Sarll confirmed that the football club have turned down the opportunity to sign goalkeeper Adam Smith on a free transfer.
Smith has worked with Darren Sarll previously at fellow National League side Yeovil Town and managed to develop a strong working relationship, but despite this, he won’t be signing for Hartlepool this summer.
Speaking to the BBC Radio Tees Sport (quotes via the Hartlepool Mail), Sarll stated…
“With the utmost of respect to Adam, that’s what it’s been (helping each other out) from the start, He’s a local lad, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have worked with him before.
“We went through some incredible highs and horrendous lows. Our relationship is forged, primarily, probably in the lows. He was there for me and I was there for him during a really difficult time at Yeovil when we lost Lee Collins, he was very close to Lee.
“I don’t turn my back on my own, and I consider Adam as one of my own. He’s the most fabulous character you could ever hope to meet. He’s a very, very good goalkeeper and I hope he has a strong start to his 24/25 season because of the work he’s done with us, I really do.
“If I’m being really transparent here, this is me, I set out from the outset that my preference has been to sign another top, top goalkeeper that I felt would propel our football club to new heights.
“I wish nothing but good things for Adam.”
A new goalkeeper is still on the menu
Currently, Hartlepool United only have one registered goalkeeper in the first-team fold which is Joel Dixon who has noticeably struggled to hold down a first-team spot after keeping just one clean sheet in 26 matches last season.
Hartlepool are just over two weeks away from their season opener against Sarll’s former side and reigning National League South champions Yeovil Town.
With the number of available substitutes and squad size increasing, it is almost certain that Hartlepool will be looking to land another goalkeeper this summer.
What’s next for Smith?
After missing out on a contract with Hartlepool United, Smith is ‘back to the drawing board’ in search of a new home to compete for first-team football next season.
Smith was born in the North-East and has spent the last two years with League Two side Morecambe before becoming a free agent this summer.
Though he has had spells with the likes of Stevenage, Yeovil and Forest Green Rovers in recent years, it is uncertain as to whether he’d be willing to move south once again to find a new home.