Lee Clark has explained the major factors behind signing Jordan Hugill.

Lee Clark has explained the major factors behind signing Jordan Hugill for Hartlepool United - and says his impact off the pitch and in the dressing room will be just as key as his experience on it.

Hugill, who worked with Clark during his short spell as boss at Rotherham United at the end of last season, has penned a one-year deal and the club has an option for a further year. Hugill, 34, has made more than 450 senior appearances, scored 94 career goals and recorded more than 300 Championship appearances and played in the Premier League.

Clark said: "Jordan is a significant signing for this football club and we're delighted to bring him to Hartlepool United. When you're talking about a player with his pedigree, experience and reputation in the game, it's obvious why we were so keen to bring him here. He's played at the highest level, amassed hundreds of appearances in the Championship and built an outstanding career through hard work, commitment and a real desire to succeed.

"Having worked closely with him at Rotherham, I know exactly what he will bring to our squad. His quality as a player is there for everyone to see, but what impressed me most was his professionalism, his mentality and his desire to win. "He's a leader, a strong character and somebody who understands what it takes to be successful. The results from his medical and physical testing were outstanding, which tells you everything you need to know about how he looks after himself and how determined he remains to achieve things in the game.

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"Jordan gives us a real presence at the top end of the pitch. He's a handful for defenders, occupies opposition back lines and creates space for the players around him. He can score goals, create opportunities for others and brings a different dimension to our attacking play. Players with Jordan's experience and pedigree don't become available very often, so we're delighted to bring him to Pools. He knows this football club, understands what it means to represent Pools and shares our ambition to help move the club forward.

"I'm sure our supporters will be excited to see him back in a Pools shirt and we're looking forward to seeing the impact he can make both on and off the pitch throughout the season ahead."

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Meanwhile, Chris Maxwell, head of football operations at Bromby & Partners, added: "To attract a player of his calibre, experience and reputation is a real statement of intent from Pools. It shows the type of player we want to bring to this football club and the level of ambition we have as we continue building a squad capable of delivering success.

"I know Jordan personally from our time playing together and I know exactly the type of character he is. He's a top professional, a great teammate and somebody you want in your dressing room. He has high expectations of himself and those around him, and those qualities are invaluable.

"Supporters will look at his career and see the clubs he's represented and the level he's played at, but what excites me most is what he can bring to this group. We believe he'll have a huge impact both on and off the pitch and we're excited to see him in a Pools shirt.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Striker Jordan Hugill explains his Hartlepool United targets after signing one-year deal at Victoria Park