Luke James: I have never refused to play for Hartlepool United

Luke James insists he had not one doubt about returning to Hartlepool United.
Luke JamesLuke James
Luke James

The 21-year-old re-joined on a half-season loan yesterday after Bradford City cut short his stay at Valley Parade.

His long-term future remains at Peterborough United – he is less than halfway through a four-year contract at the League One club.

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But the lure of Pools and helping the club he joined at the age of 12 to stay in the Football League was to much to turn down.

James’s 16 goals went a long way to keeping Pools in the division in 2013-14, just 12 months after almost inspiring a great escape for John Hughes’ side in League One.

It was those goals, allied to a precocious talent, which earned the teenager a move to Peterborough United.

But James left Pools under a cloud with accusations that he had gone on strike.

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The Northumberland-born forward though insists while the end was disappointing he was upset to be painted as the villain of the piece in a deal which brought Pools a transfer windfall in excess of £500,000.

“I know there were things said that I had refused to play for the club but that is entirely untrue,” he told SportMail.

“I would never refuse to play for this club, I think so highly of Hartlepool

“It’s been the first result I’ve looked for at Peterborough and Bradford after the games.

“I can’t wait to get going again.

“It did not end as I would have liked it to end last time.

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“People said I’d gone on strike but it wasn’t like that at all. I’d been at the club since I was 12 and that was the hardest week I’ve known

“I’ve never talked about it or reacted to it on social media. The whole situation was horrendous, I’ve been trying to forget it

“It has been said ‘why is he coming back if he refused to play for the club?’.

“But if I had ever refused to play for Hartlepool then I would not be sat here now.

“I hope that answers that question.

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“I understand for everyone involved that it did not end as it should have.

“But it was not as clear-cut as it was made out when it was being said ‘he’s on strike, he’s not turning up, blahdy, blah’.

“It was probably one of the worst weeks of my life but that’s behind me now and I can’ wait to pull on that shirt again and score some goals.”

James hopes that opportunity can come on Saturday at Notts County.

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The player who score 22 times in 90 appearances for Pools is not taking his place for granted.

After spending much of this season on the bench for Bradford City, he is hoping for regular football.

“You always wasn’t to be playing, get in the team and stay there,” said James, who has spoken with boss Ronnie Moore. “But you have to prove yourself first.

“I spoke to the gaffer last night – I didn’t see him because he was at the reserves.

“He said he was happy to have me on board and was looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I am too and I can’t wait to get going.”