Ahead of the new Sky Bet League 2 season we asked Liam Govey to take a look at each of our 23 opponents. Next up is Hartlepool United...
Hartlepool United
Address: Victoria Park, Clarence Road, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS24 8BZ
Stadium capacity: 7,856
Manager: Craig Hignett
Transfers
In
Ben Dudzinski (Durham Town), Ben Pollock (Newcastle United), James Martin (Queen of the South, Nicky Deverdics (Dover Athletic), Jake Orrell (Chesterfield), Aristote Nsiala (Grimsby Town), Padraig Amond (Grimsby Town) and Lewis Alessandra (Rochdale)
Out
Dan Jones (released), Peter Denton (released), Scott Fenwick (York City), Harry Worley (released), Scott Harrison (released), Ebby Nelson-Addy (released), Kudus Oyenuga (released), Michael Duckworth (Fleetwood Town) and Dan Jones (Grimsby Town).
Last Season
Only one defeat against the bottom six of League Two was enough to keep Hartlepool up for another season. Things will have to improve next season if there is to be anything other than a struggle, however, with only 51 points amassed. Any other season, and Hartlepool would have been deeper embroiled in the relegation battle. However, survival was relatively comfortable; achieved with 17 points between Hartlepool and Dagenham & Redbridge.
Key Players
The likes of Aristote Nsiala and Nicky Deverdics should prove astute acquisitions from the Vanarama National. Similarly, Pools fans will hope that ex-Grimsby Town striker Pádraig Amond can bring last season’s incredible 30 goals in 40 games with him. The signing of Lewis Alessandra from Rochdale could also be the perfect foil for the Irishman up front. As if that weren’t enough, Billy Paynter’s 15 goals last season suggests that in terms of goals, the Monkey Hangers are covered.
SkyBet Odds
Win outright- 40/1
Promotion- 8/1
Relegation- 7/1
Top 7- 4/1
Fixtures
Stevenage v Hartlepool United - Saturday 3rd September
Hartlepool United v Stevenage - Saturday 21st January
Video
Tom Conlon scored twice as Boro won at Hartlepool United back in February...