Hartlepool United bolster squad with Gavan Holohan return and Tyrese Sinclair loan

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Hartlepool United have strengthened their squad with two signings in as many days, bringing back fan favourite Gavan Holohan and adding forward Tyrese Sinclair on loan.

Holohan rejoined Pools on a free transfer from Crawley Town on Tuesday, signing until the end of the season.

The experienced Irish midfielder is a fan favourite at the club, having made 106 appearances and scored 21 goals across four seasons during his first spell.

He also played a pivotal role in Hartlepool’s 2020-21 National League play-off promotion campaign, lining up alongside current manager Nicky Featherstone.

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Fresh start

After leaving Pools, the Kilkenny native enjoyed a productive spell with Grimsby Town.

He scored a last-minute equaliser in the 2022 National League play-off semi-final and converted two penalties in Grimsby’s historic FA Cup victory over Southampton to reach the quarter-finals.

Speaking after his return, Holohan said: “I’m delighted to be back at Pools.

“I loved my time here, and I’ve got great memories, especially getting promoted back to the EFL. That’s where this club should be, and I know what that meant to the fans more than anything.

“It’s a big club with a massive following, and the expectations are high, which is exactly what you want.

“For me, it’s a fresh start and one I’m determined to grab with both hands.

“When I spoke to Nicky and knew the chance to come back was there, it felt right straight away. I’m fully focused on coming in, making an impact and helping the team in any way I can.

“We’ve got a lot to play for, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

“Nicky spoke to me about leadership and standards, and I’m coming in to help drive that. On the pitch, I want to bring a bit of a spark in the middle of the park and add goals from midfield as well.

“I can’t wait to get out there in front of the Pools fans again and play my part.”

Key signing

Pools boss Featherstone added: “We’re delighted to bring Gav back to Pools.

“He was a real crowd favourite here, and I know the fans will be delighted to welcome him back.

“Having played alongside him, I know exactly what he brings to the squad. He’s a proven English league footballer, a top professional, a leader, and he delivers in big moments.

“This is a key signing for us. It’s about adding quality on the pitch, but it’s also about raising standards and expectations within the squad every single day.

“We want to keep pushing the levels in training, in preparation and on matchdays. Gav is the type of player who helps drive that.

“We’ve got a lot to play for between now and the end of the season, and having a player of Gav’s pedigree and experience will only add to the squad.

“He’ll bring that creative spark and a goal threat from midfield, and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

Experience

On Wednesday, Pools completed the loan signing of 24-year-old attacker Sinclair from York City.

The 24-year-old joins for the remainder of the campaign and adds plenty of experience, having played over 200 senior games across the Football League and National League, scoring 33 goals and providing 15 assists.

He featured for York and Solihull Moors earlier this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists for the latter during a short-term loan spell.

Sinclair has previously turned out for Rochdale, Scunthorpe United, Radcliffe and Mansfield Town.

Proper fanbase

In his first words after arriving at the Prestige Group Stadium, he said: “As soon as I heard about the chance to join Pools, I jumped at it.

“It’s a big club with a proper fanbase and I’ve played here before. So I know what it’s like.

“It’s never an easy place to come and I’m really looking forward to being on the right side of that and playing in front of the home crowd.

“Speaking to Nicky was a big part of the decision for me. He was clear about the standards he expects and about where I fit in and what he wants from me, to come in, play on the front foot and add goals and creativity to our attacking play.

“He was straight with me, which I liked, and it made the decision easy.

“From the conversations I’ve had and being around the place already, you can feel there’s a good atmosphere around the club. There’s still a lot to play for this season.

“We want to keep pushing on, keep picking up results and put pressure on the teams above us, and I want to play my part in that.

“I can’t wait to get started now and try to make an impact as quickly as I can.”

Exciting

Featherstone said: “Tyrese is exactly the type of profile we wanted to bring into the club.

“He’s a player we’ve faced before and someone I’ve played against, so we know first-hand the threat he can carry in attacking areas.

“Although he’s still only 24, he’s already built up a significant amount of senior football. That experience really stood out to us.

“The work we’ve done through our scouting and analysis showed that he fits exactly what we’re looking for. The data backed up what we’d seen on the pitch.

“He’s an exciting attacking player who can create chances, score goals and operate across a number of positions along the front line, which gives us real flexibility.

“He’s shown real enthusiasm about joining the club and making an impact.

“We believe he’ll give us something different as we push on through the remainder of the season.”

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