Hartlepool United sign former ‘Boro striker on loan

Former Middlesbrough striker Luke Armstrong has signed for Hartlepool United on a season-long loan from League Two side Salford City.

Known for his powerful forward play, Armstrong spent a part of the 2018/19 season on loan at Gateshead from his then parent club Middlesbrough before heading for League One Accrington Stanley in the January. He finished the season with an impressive 13 goals in 34 games.

Armstrong’s career begun at ‘Boro before he spent a season at Birmingham City. Following his release by The Blues, he spent six months in Scotland at Cowdenbeath before signing for Blyth Spartans in January 2016. 

In 2016-17 he spearheaded Spartans’ promotion from the Northern Premier League with 23 goals, under the management of his Dad, Alun, which alerted Middlesbrough to their former player’s talents where he re-signed in 2017.

However, after two further seasons at ‘Boro, including loan spells, Armstrong moved onto Salford.

SportsByte spoke to manager Dave Challinor after Luke’s signing was announced: “Luke is a goal scorer and is someone I’ve known about and liked for a long time. I thought the possibility of getting him had probably passed with the success he’s had and dropping back down to national league level wouldn’t be an option.

“He’s desperate to get back playing and scoring goals and he’s a local lad so ticks every box for us. I hope we can reignite his career and get him back enjoying his football and doing what he does best, putting the ball in the net. If that happens the move becomes a win for every party.”

SportsByte also spoke to Chairman Raj Singh who also added: “We are really pleased to get in the last week Joe Bunney and Luke Armstrong. Joe has been brought in to give us cover over the busy period of Christmas and New Year.

“It has been obvious that we need goals and Dave has been looking for a while to bring someone in and we have really pushed the boat out to get Luke in.

“We wanted to further demonstrate to the fans, the season ticket holders who were parted with their hard-earned cash and to all who have contributed to the budget booster that we are financially backing the manager and his team to get us much higher up the table where we all feel we should be.”