JOSH Umerah has eyes on a big goal tally this season after sealing a permanent move to Hartlepool United.

The 25-year-old striker has penned a two-year contract at the Suit Direct Stadium after an undisclosed fee was agreed between National League side Wealdstone and Pools.

Umerah was prolific in the fifth tier last season scoring 17 goals in 45 appearances for the Stones who fought hard to keep him for next season.

However, the lure of the Football League has brought Umerah to Pools who will wear the number nine shirt next season. Last season was his strongest return in front of goal and he’s aiming to notch up similar numbers in League Two this season.  

“I’ve played in this position for years now and goals is literally all I crave for” he said.

“If I can get ten to 20 goals this season, I’ll be more than delighted so that’s the aim. I’ve already put aims in my head about how I can help this team and the club. Hopefully I do it.”

Pools have added some much needed depth to their attacking ranks after the departure of Omar Bogle and Luke Molyneux who joined fellow League Two sides Newport County and Doncaster Rovers respectively.

But while bodies in numbers is important for Pools, Umerah already has an understanding of what’s expected of him next season as he continued: “They made it clear. They had watched my clips and as a club themselves, they were hugely interested in me. They said that I fit the system about how we play so when you hear them sorts of things as a player, it draws you closer.”

Wealdstone had fought hard to keep their striker for next season and rejected three previous bids from EFL clubs before striking a deal with Pools.

Chairman Rory Fitzgerald said: "When it became clear Josh would not extend his stay beyond the end of next season, the board felt it was its duty to the club and the fans to obtain the best possible fee for a player we did not want to lose and we feel we've done that."

Umerah is expected to make his first appearance for Pools in their pre-season friendly against Lincoln City tomorrow afternoon.