 Despite recovering from his injury John to struggle to reach the same level again and after just 27 more games and another six goals, he was transferred to fellow Division Three side Hartlepool United in March 1992.One goal in seven games was all John could manage at United before they in turn released him in the summer.John managed one final spell at Halifax Town (12 games 0 goals) in 1992-93 where he teamed up again with John McGrath, with the club destined for relegation out of the Football League.