Forest Green Rovers have added their seventh summer signing by landing forward Luke James on a free transfer from Peterborough United.
The 22-year-old was tipped for big things during his apprenticeship at Hartlepool United, earning Apprentice of the Month in December 2011 before being awarded LFE League One Apprentice of the Year in 2013.
James burst onto the scene during the Christmas period of 2011 and amassed 19 appearances in League One that season following his debut in a 1-0 loss against Colchester.
In total, James featured 99 times for the club as a teenager and after netting 16 goals during the 2013/14 season, he attracted the attention of Peterborough, who paid an undisclosed fee reportedly in the region of £500,000 for his services.
However, the youngster was unable to reproduce that form in 34 outings for Posh and failed to make a single appearance since a 1-1 draw with Crewe in April 2015, instead being sent on brief stints on loan at Bradford City, Bristol Rovers and a return to Hartlepool.
“I’m very excited to be joining Forest Green Rovers,” James told the club website. “I’ve heard a lot about the club and how they want to go forward so I’m glad it’s finally over the line and I can get going.
“From speaking to the manager and players they all said it’s moving in the right direction which is good to hear and when they came knocking I just couldn’t say no.”
Manager Mark Cooper said: “We needed another forward who could play in a variety of positioned and add to our options.
“Luke scored lots of goals at Hartlepool and we followed his career as we always knew he was a clever player.
“A move to Forest Green Rovers for Luke was about joining an exciting, progressive club where he can get back into a goalscoring mentality.”
