Jack Compton began his professional career at West Brom after coming through Portsmouth's academy system. He failed to make a first team appearance at The Hawthorns and had similar luck at his second league club, Brighton and Hove Albion. He then dropped out of the league altogether with spells at Havant & Waterlooville and Weston-super-Mare. Compton's career looked to be back on an upward path when he signed for Falkirk in 2010. He spent two seasons in Scotland before returning south of the border once more to play for both Portsmouth and Colchester during the 2012/13 season. He was released from the latter in April 2013. Colin Cooper had worked with Compton when the winger spent a loan spell at Bradford City during his time with Falkirk. Noticing that the player was without a club, Cooper made him his first signing as Pools manager. He went straight into the side for the opening match of the 2012/13 season at Rochdale.