Hartlepool United have added a local young goalkeeper to their squad by signing Nathan Fisher on a one-year contract, with an option for the club to prolong the deal until June 2028. The 21-year-old, who spent the past five years within Middlesbrough's academy network at Rockliffe Park, joins the Victoria Park side after being released by the Teessiders.
Progression through the academy ranks
Fisher moved to Middlesbrough from Sunderland in 2021 and established himself as a consistent presence at Under-18 and Under-21 level, regularly featuring in Premier League 2 fixtures. Unable to make the step to senior appearances at the Riverside, he departed when his contract expired at the end of last season.
Impression made in pre-season and role at Pools
After training with Hartlepool during pre-season, Fisher earned a place on Lee Clark's squad following a successful trial. The club's coaching staff were sufficiently impressed to offer him a one-year deal, with the option of a further year. Fisher will be competing for a place in the matchday squad and providing cover alongside other new arrivals.
“I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Pools. There's a real buzz around the place and everyone has made me feel welcome from day one.”
In his opening comments to the club, Fisher highlighted the influence of the coaching team and specifically referenced the input of goalkeeping coach Adam Smith, saying he had already learned a great deal. He also cited the scale and ambition of the club as important factors in his decision.
- Age: 21
- Previous club: Middlesbrough (academy)
- Contract: One year with a club option to extend to June 2028
- Role: Competition and cover in goal following a successful trial
Squad context at Victoria Park
Fisher becomes one of several signings brought in ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. His arrival joins a cohort of new signings at Victoria Park including Max Merrick, Cameron John, Jordan Hugill and others, reflecting a period of squad turnover and reinforcement under the current management.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Nathan Fisher |
| Age | 21 |
| Previous affiliation | Middlesbrough academy (Rockliffe Park) |
| Contract length | One year (club option for a second year) |
For Middlesbrough supporters who follow academy graduates, Fisher's move is another example of the transition many young players make from Premier League 2 and youth structures into senior football via clubs elsewhere in the North-East. For Hartlepool fans, the signing provides competition in a key position as the club prepares for the season ahead.
Further details, including squad numbers and Fisher's availability for selection, will be confirmed by Hartlepool United ahead of competitive fixtures.
