Luke James joins Barrow from Hartlepool United as Dave Challinor eyes incomings at Victoria Park following return to training

The 25-year-old was offered a new deal at Victoria Park following the end of the 2019-20 National League campaign but was holding out for an EFL move amid interest from newly-promoted Bluebirds.

Last month, Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor told the Mail that James would not be returning to the club after contract talks stalled.

Challinor was keen to tie down James to a new deal after the forward enjoyed a good run of form prior to his season-ending groin injury picked up in the FA Cup second round tie against Exeter City in December 2019.

Instead, James opted to have another crack at the Football League, signing a two-year contract with Barrow after they were formally crowned National League champions.

The player enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Bluebirds during the second half of the 2017-18 campaign, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances to help keep the side in the fifth tier.

James’ move brings his third separate stint at Hartlepool to an end – his record since rejoining in 2018 stands at eight goals in 73 appearances in all competitions.

Challinor has just eight players currently contracted at the club but expects to start announcing signings, including a potential replacement for James, by early August.

Gary Liddle, Timi Odusina and Mark Shelton are expected to be confirmed as Hartlepool players next month. EFL players released are still able to be paid by their former clubs until July 31, providing they haven’t signed for another club.

Pools are also believed to be making good progress in finding a replacement for James.

Former Hartlepool forward Rhys Oates is available after being released by Morecambe and could be a seen as a suitable option.

The news comes as the eight contracted Hartlepool players returned to training this week.

Staggered non-contact sessions are taking place at Pools’ East Durham College training base. On Monday morning, Ryan Donaldson, Nicky Featherstone, Gavan Holohan, Luke Molyneux and Joe Grey took part in a small session before the remaining contracted players plus Luke Williams attended the afternoon session.

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