Factfile: Luke James

Former Hartlepool United, York City and Peterborough United forward Luke James is to become South Shields’ second signing of the summer.

James’ deal will begin on July 1st and after he agreed to join the Mariners, we take a closer look at the 28-year-old…

Luke James was born on November 4th, 1994 in the Northumberland town of Amble

His journey to professional football began with Hartlepool United, who he joined at the age of 11

After starring for the club’s youth team, he made his debut for the senior side as a 17-year-old in December 2011

James was quick to make his mark, becoming Pools’ youngest-ever goalscorer with a 25-yard volley against Rochdale, aged 17 years and 64 days

Scouts from across the country flocked to monitor the precocious talent, and he won Hartlepool’s Goal of the Season award in his debut campaign

Regular first-team appearances continued to come for the teenager the following season, after which he received the League One Apprentice of the Year award

Hartlepool found themselves in League Two for the 2013-14 season and it turned out to be James’ most productive in front of goal as he netted 16 times in all competitions. It made him the second-youngest Pools player since World War Two to hit double figures for goals in a season

His form earned him numerous accolades, including Hartlepool’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards, while he was also named League Two Player of the Month in October 2013

After 20 goals in 98 appearances for Pools, James signed for League One side Peterborough United in September 2014

During his time at London Road, James had loan spells with Bradford City, Hartlepool and Bristol Rovers in Leagues One and Two

He moved to Forest Green Rovers on a free transfer in the summer of 2017 and made 22 appearances before signing for Barrow on loan

James’ seven National League goals in 17 National League appearances for Barrow attracted the attention of Hartlepool, who signed him for a third time in July 2018

He recorded 11 assists for the National League side and won the Fans’ Player of the Year award

International recognition came for James in March 2019 when he was called up by and played for England C

James signed permanently for Barrow in the summer of 2020 as he earned a move back to the Football League

He played all but two of the club’s League Two matches in the 2020-21 season and departed in 2022 after a two-year spell

Last season was spent in the National League with York City, and left after representing the Minstermen for a year

James is now ready to play in National League North for the first time in his career after agreeing a deal to sign for South Shields