1. Brad James
The 24-year-old made an outsize impact despite only playing six games while on loan at Pools in 2021, filling in for the injured Ben Killip and saving Matt Buse’s penalty to send Dave Challinor’s side back to the promised land of the Football League. James, who returned to parent club Middlesbrough after his shootout heroics, looked well-placed to have a bright future in the game but suffered a broken ankle that put an abrupt halt to his progress. A series of setbacks kept James out of the game for two-and-a-half years but, after returning to training at the back end of 2023, he linked up with his former Boro under-23s boss Graeme Lee – who Poolies will of course know well – at National
League North side Spennymoor, where he has been impressing ever since. After a strong second half to the season, the Moors just missed out on the play-offs and James will surely be keen to use his spell at Brewery Field as a springboard to help him return to full time football.
2. Harrison Male
After it was revealed that the 23-year-old custodian would be leaving relegated Dorking Wanderers when his contract expired, it is anticipated that he would be in high demand. Male had an outstanding season, winning most of Dorking’s end-of-season accolades. His skill as a shot-blocker and his self-assurance when the ball is in his hands have won him many fans. Before signing with Dorking, he was a fan favourite at Worthing, a National League South team. Although he has spent the last few years in the south, he may be drawn to return to the north after spending 12 years developing through the ranks at Leeds United, where he ultimately became the youth team’s captain. The man, who is undoubtedly a bit
3. Nathan Ashmore
The seasoned goalkeeper, who has been recognised as one of the better stoppers in non-league, is expected to depart Boreham Wood following their relegation from the National League. Despite the Woods’ relegation, the 34-year-old, who was a member of the 2022–23 National League squad of the season, made 47 appearances this season and impressed. A barrier for Pools might be the allure of moving; he still resides in Hampshire with his family and was raised in Portsmouth, where he signed schoolboy terms with Pompey. He has never back down from a battle or avoided the odd controversy, and new Pools manager Darren Sarll, who likes to surround himself with personalities in his locker room, may find his leadership and communication skills appealing. Ph
4. Pete Jameson
In the end, Pete Jameson’s future—he spent the previous season on loan at the Suit Direct—will determine whether or not Pools expand their net in pursuit of a new custodian. The 31-year-old had a rough beginning to his Pools career, but he showed promise after being put back into the starting lineup, recording three straight home clean sheets, and expressing his desire to secure a new contract in the North East. The contract with parent club Harrogate expires this summer, and the former York and Darlington keeper will become a free agent. Pools may now complete a deal early, freeing up Sarll and the recruitment team to concentrate on other projects.
