Hartlepool United have declined the chance to sign one of their trialists and continue searching for players to fill that specific position.
The National League team has brought in several trialists over the summer as Darren Sarll prepares for his first season as Hartlepool United manager, having replaced Kevin Phillips during the off-season.
However, the new manager has announced that one player will not be joining the club permanently following their trial period.
In an interview (quotes via the Hartlepool Mail), Darren Sarll confirmed that Hartlepool United have declined the opportunity to sign goalkeeper Adam Smith on a free transfer.
Smith previously worked with Sarll at Yeovil Town in the National League, where they developed a strong working relationship. Despite this, he won’t be joining Hartlepool this summer. Speaking to BBC Radio Tees Sport (quotes via the Hartlepool Mail), Sarll stated:
“With the utmost respect to Adam, it’s always been about helping each other out from the start. He’s a local lad, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have worked with him before. We went through some incredible highs and horrendous lows together. Our relationship is primarily forged 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, who was very close to Adam.
“I don’t turn my back on my own, and I consider Adam 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 2024/25 season because of the work he’s done with us.
“If I’m being really transparent, my preference has been to sign another top goalkeeper who I feel would propel our football club to new heights.
“I wish nothing but good things for Adam.”
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