Hartlepool fighting the expensive 25 players.

Hartlepool United released nine players last week and transfer listed another two, meaning a summer that was already set to be busy for new boss Darren Sarll now looks even busier – here are 25 players Pools could sign to strengthen their squad.

Pools will certainly know what they’re getting with Hendrie, whose loan spell at the Suit Direct last season was his third stint in the North East. His strengths are his reliability and his versatility, although a lack of pace and dynamism as well as an abundance of right-backs already at the club could mean that Hendrie, who has been released by Bradford, might have to look elsewhere.

1. Luke Hendrie

Cass was excellent while on loan at Pools in the 2020/21 season, making 34 league appearances as Dave Challinor’ side secured promotion back to the Football League. He did enough in two separate loan spells at Vale Park to earn a permanent move, but injuries have stunted his progress since then. He linked back up with Challinor during a loan spell at Stockport in the second half of this season where he impressed before returning to Burslem. Now 24, a move back to the North East could appeal to the versatile defender, although it will depend on whether or not he is in Vale manager Darren Moore’s plans. Photo: Harry Trump