'Once a Poolie' - Defender opens up on Hartlepool United departure in emotional statement
Defender Louis Stephenson was on a long list of players released by Hartlepool United.
Youth team graduate Louis Stephenson has opened up on his departure from Hartlepool United in an emotional social media post.
The defender was on a list of 13 players that have been released by Pools after their contracts came to an end following an extensive review of all football operations by Bromby and Partners. The likes of Adam Campbell, Alex Reid, Nick Hayes and captain Tom Parkes will all seek pastures new during the summer - and Stephenson will also start next season wearing the colours of another club after his time with his boyhood club came to a close.
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The 20-year-old made his maiden senior appearance for Pools in an FA Cup second round win against Harrogate Town in November 2022 before scoring his first goal in an FA Trophy victory against City of Liverpool just over a year later. Stephenson also gained senior experience during loan spells with Blyth Spartans, Whitby Town, Buxton, Morpeth Town and Spennymoor Town, with the latter of those temporary moves coming during the final months of the current season as his progress was monitored by former Pools duo Tommy Miller and Matty Dolan.
The young defender is expected to have interest from National League North and Northern Premier League clubs as he prepares for the first permanent move of his career - and he has already revealed he is ready to ‘kick on next season’ as he assesses what could lie ahead. However, Stephenson also paid tribute to Pools supporters for the ‘love and respect’ they have shown to him since he made an initial breakthrough into the first-team and thanked the club’s academy staff for overseeing his progress from youth prospect to senior squad member in recent seasons.
‘Once a Poolie, always a Poolie’
“Well after four years, I have left Hartlepool,” he explained on a social media post. “It has been a rollercoaster of a ride this season and a lot has gone on. I would like to thank the staff who have helped me over this past four years, who have looked out for me and tried to spur me on. I would also like to thank all the academy staff that took me in at 16 years old. I couldn’t be any more thankful to you all as you helped me on the pitch and maturing as a person off the pitch.
“To the supporters - what can I say? I am incredibly grateful to the fans who have done nothing but show love and respect for me the minute I made my debut for Hartlepool. You are the heart of the club, you are what drives it and I honestly believe there is not a greater support out there like you. You made me feel at home and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Things didn’t work out for me but I cannot wait to get going again and kick on next season. Once a Poolie, always a Poolie.”
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