Cam John can 'hit the ground running' after sealing permanent Hartlepool United return
Former loan signing Cam John has returned to Hartlepool United on a permanent deal.
Cam John has been backed to ‘hit the ground running’ after he sealed a permanent return to Hartlepool United on the back of a successful loan spell at Victoria Park last season.
The York City defender was snapped up on a season-long loan deal last summer and went on the make 40 appearance across all competitions during a season of mixed emotions for Pools. John’s long-term future remained up in the air as the final weeks of the campaign approached and he officially became a free agent when his Minstermen contract came to a close last month.
Former Pools head coach Nicky Featherstone signalled his intent to sign the defender on a permanent deal in March - and that move has now come to pass after Featherstone’s successor Lee Clark gave the thumbs up to a move for John. The former Newcastle United midfielder handed John a start in Saturday’s pre-season friendly defeat against Grimsby Town - and he is looking forward to seeing more from his latest addition over the coming weeks and months.
He told the club website: “You only have to look at what he did here last season. He was one of the best defenders in the National League and his performances showed exactly what he can bring to a team. When a player performs at that level and you get the chance to sign him permanently, it’s one you want to make happen. The fact he’s been here before is another big plus. He knows the club, he knows the supporters and he settled in really well last season, so he’ll be able to hit the ground running.
“He’s still only 26 but he’s already got plenty of Football League and National League experience behind him. He’s naturally left-sided, can play in a few different positions and gives us real quality and depth across the back line. I also know how keen Cam was to come back. He loved his time here last season and made no secret of the fact he wanted to return. When a player is that enthusiastic about coming back to your football club, it’s always a positive.”
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