Ronnie Moore hails 'fantastic' Hartlepool United signing for not taking the easy option

Hartlepool United boss Ronnie Moore has hailed the arrival of Luke James - and praised the striker for not taking the easy option.
Ronnie MooreRonnie Moore
Ronnie Moore

James was wanted by other clubs in League Two, including teams pressing for promotion.

Oxford United and Stevenage were both interested in signing the 21-year-old - who left under a cloud in the summer of 2014 - but he has rejoined Pools from League One Peterborough United on a loan deal until the end of the season

Luke James is back at The VicLuke James is back at The Vic
Luke James is back at The Vic

Boss Moore was delighted to capture his signing.

"I think it's a fantastic signing for us.

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"Luke is still a young lad but we know what he’s capable of and we know that we have got ourselves a Championship-standard footballer.

"He’s got pace, enthusiasm and endeavour which is what we need – and not only that, he’s got that eye for goal as well.

Luke James is back at The VicLuke James is back at The Vic
Luke James is back at The Vic

"He had the opportunity to go to two or three clubs right at the top of our division but he was determined to come back here and help in our dog fight so that’s really pleasing.

"He could have taken the easy way out but he wants to be here at Pools and we are really looking forward to having him around the place.

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"We have a few different permutations in attack now and I think Luke could play with any of them up there - and if Nathan Thomas is in the form he was in on Saturday then I would like to think we’ll create chances.

"We've got a lot of Saturday and Tuesday weeks coming up and four out of the next seven games are at home so we have to make the most of them and start winning those home games.

"I think the Chairman deserves a lot of credit for the way he’s worked to help us; we've tried so hard to get our own players in during this window and there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes," he told the club website.

James had been on loan at Bradford City this season.

James struggled to make an impression during his spell with the Bantams starting only four games, coming off the bench 10 times, but failed to score.