Lee Clark impressed with Hartlepool United new boy's desire and hunger
Hartlepool United have completed the signing of former Sheffield United midfielder Owen Hampson.
Lee Clark has revealed former Sheffield United youngster Owen Hampson will be given ‘every opportunity’ to impress after signing an initial one-year deal at Hartlepool United.
Clark and head of recruitment Chris Beech have been working hard to add to a Pools squad depleted by 13 departures since the end of last season - and the fruits of their labour has been shown over the last month after they completed five new signings. Midfielder Hampson became the latest new addition when he penned a one-year deal at Victoria Park just weeks after his time with the Blades came to an end - and the Wales Under-21 international has already signalled his intent to prove himself in senior football.
Clark has vast experience of working with young prospects and giving them a platform to a build a career in first-team football - and he is determined to help Hampson make the most of the ‘excellent ground’ he had during his time with Sheffield United and stressed Pools can provide him with the ‘right environment’ to thrive.
He told the club website: “We’re delighted to bring Owen to Pools. He’s a player we’ve admired for some time and somebody we believe can make a real contribution to what we’re building here. What has impressed me most is his attitude and his desire to improve. He’s hungry to learn, willing to work hard and determined to make the most of his ability.
“He has good qualities on the ball, sees the game well and is capable of influencing matches from midfield, but he’s also willing to work hard for the team and put the collective first. Those are qualities that are extremely important to us. At 21, he’s at an important stage of his career. He’s had an excellent grounding in the game and gained valuable experience in senior football, but now it’s about taking that next step and establishing himself at this level. We believe this is the right environment for him to do that. He’ll be challenged, he’ll be supported and he’ll have every opportunity to continue progressing as a player.”
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