Hartlepool United announce loan signing of League Two attacker
Hartlepool United have completed the signing of Accrington Stanley attacker Charlie Caton, who arrives on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old, who was born in Wales and spent almost a decade in Wrexham's academy, has scored four goals in 40 appearances for League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The forward signed his first professional contract with Shrewsbury, where he featured a handful of times for the senior team, before two spells with Chester, scoring 26 goals in 79 National League North matches. The young frontman scored 14 times in the 2024/25 season, earning a move to the Football League with Accrington.
Caton is expected to feature in the squad for Wednesday evening's trip to title-chasing York, with the youngster named among the substitutes.
"As soon as I heard there was an opportunity to come here, it was something I wanted to pursue straight away," Caton told the official Pools club website.
"It's a club with strong support, clear ambition and an impressive set-up and that stood out to me immediately.
"Speaking to Nicky (Featherstone) was a big factor in the decision. He was very clear about my role and what he expects from me and that's to score goals and make a difference in the final third. He's shown real faith in my ability to deliver that and I'm determined to repay that trust.
"There's a lot still to play for this season and that excites me. The objective is clear - we want to keep pushing and make sure we stay in the fight for a play-off place. I'm ready to get started and make an impact as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, manager Nicky Featherstone added that "we were clear that we wanted to strengthen our front line and add genuine quality, and Charlie fits that profile. He has demonstrated consistent goalscoring at National League North level and has carried that threat into League Two, which is important for us at this stage of the season.
"He has built up significant senior experience and understands the demands of competing at a high level. We believe he has the attributes, mentality and work ethic to make an immediate impact.
"The expectation is clear - we want him to bring that goal treat here and help drive us forward over the remainder of the season."