Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll has suggested that he might still make further additions to his squad, despite recently securing the loan signing of Crystal Palace winger Roshaun Mathurin earlier this week. The 20-year-old joined Pools on Wednesday and is expected to provide much-needed width to Sarll’s team.
Mathurin arrives with a strong reputation following an impressive season with Palace’s under-21s, where he scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 38 appearances, playing a key role in their Premier League International Cup triumph.
The talented winger, who has spent time in the academies of Chelsea and Tottenham, caught the attention of Palace manager Oliver Glasner after a standout performance in a behind-closed-doors friendly, leading to his inclusion in the first team squad for their trip to Nottingham Forest in March.
Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll has hinted that he may still look to add another player to his squad, even after securing the loan signing of Crystal Palace winger Roshaun Mathurin earlier this week. The 20-year-old joined Pools on Wednesday and is expected to bring much-needed width to Sarll’s side.
Mathurin, who had been linked with moves to League One clubs Northampton and Exeter, was a significant coup for Pools, drawing him to the North East. He arrives with a strong pedigree, having scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 38 appearances for Palace’s under-21s last season, helping them win the Premier League International Cup. His performances caught the eye of Palace boss Oliver Glasner, leading to his inclusion in the first team squad for their match against Nottingham Forest in March.
Sarll’s connections at Crystal Palace, along with Lennie Lawrence’s close relationship with Palace legend and current sporting director Dougie Freedman, played a role in securing Mathurin. Pools have been in need of a winger since Luke Charman’s injury last month, with Adam Campbell struggling in an unfamiliar wide role. Supporters will hope Mathurin can provide balance to the side and ease the burden on standout performer Joe Grey, who has been Sarll’s most dangerous attacking option this season.
Sarll has bolstered his squad in recent weeks with the loan signings of goalkeeper Brad Young, veteran striker Gary Madine, and now Mathurin, making Pools look like genuine contenders for the upper end of the National League table. The manager has indicated that he is still open to further strengthening the squad as they push for promotion.
“Roshaun was flagged to us, and we did our due diligence through footage and data analysis,” Sarll told BBC Radio Tees Sport. “The connection with Crystal Palace helped—we’ve got a good friend who is their academy director, and Lennie Lawrence here. We received strong references from trusted sources.”
Sarll highlighted Mathurin’s attributes, noting his technical quality, athleticism, and creativity, which have been missing in the squad. With Charman sidelined, the addition of Mathurin addresses a key need in the team.
The absence of Luke Charman, who made a strong start to his Pools career before being injured by a challenge from Southend’s Cav Miley last month, has been a setback. Initially expected to be out until the second half of September, Sarll is optimistic about Charman’s early return, potentially within 10 days.
“We need to give Luke time to ensure he feels good and confident,” Sarll said. “We want him to be ready to play his best football.”
Attention now shifts to this weekend’s home match against Halifax, who are slightly below Pools in the table. Despite reaching the National League play-offs last season, Halifax lost several key players over the summer, including Jack Hunter, who signed for Pools, and others who moved to the Football League. Pools, who are still seeking their first home win under Sarll, face a young Halifax side that has had an uneven start to the season.
Sarll stressed the importance of maintaining their unbeaten home record and praised the support from fans. He acknowledged Halifax’s consistent overperformance and expects a challenging match, but believes that when Pools play at their best, few teams can compete with them.
Goalkeeper Joel Dixon will miss Saturday’s game after being injured last week, which could see Brad Young make his debut following his loan move from Leicester. Defender Dan Dodds remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, but former Halifax midfielder Jack Hunter is available again after suspension, and Gary Madine will aim to continue his return to full fitness after his first competitive appearance in 16 months.
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