The ‘U’s are delighted to announce that Academy player James Pool will join Chris Agutter’s First Team squad for the 2018-19 season.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea player joined the Hastings United Academy in 2017 where he very quickly established himself initially in the U15s before moving through the ranks in a matter of weeks to training permanently with the U23s, on the signing the U’s boss said, ‘James is an exceptional talent-and I mean exceptional, he has trained with the First Team all season and has already played in a few ‘behind closed-doors’ games in which he has excelled, he turned 16 two days after the season finished which has meant we’ve been unable to play him due to league rules, otherwise he would have played regularly in the 2017-18 season. James is technically the best player at the Club and understands exactly how we want to play-now it’s all about him physically preparing for the rigors of competitive First Team football.’
On signing James explained, ‘Having played for Aggi and Brownie previously it was an easy decision to join Hastings United Academy at the end of last season. Throughout the year Aggi and all the coaching team have been very supportive and encouraging which has allowed me to really enjoy my football. There’s a great atmosphere around the Club with lots of talented young players. I would like to thank Aggi and the Club for giving me the opportunity to join the First Team squad and to help me develop as a player.’