Veteran striker Steve Howard has conceded that he made a mistake by signing for Hartlepool United last summer.

The 36-year-old, who started his professional career at Victoria Park back in 1995, rejoined the North East-based outfit following his release by Championship outfit Leicester City.

However, the centre-forward signed for Sheffield Wednesday on loan in March and looking back, he admitted that he should not have returned to Hartlepool.

"It's been a very frustrating season and I came [to Sheffield Wednesday] to try to put a smile on my face again and I have done that," Howard told the Northern Echo.

"Hartlepool was one of those things, I had a chat and tried to fall in love with football again by coming here and that's what I have done.

"I went back to Hartlepool last summer, I wanted to go back to the North East because my kids are up there, but I probably made the decision a bit too soon. As it has turned out with the circumstances up there, it just didn't turn out to be the right time for me."

Howard has one year remaining on his contract with Pool.