League One season preview: Hartlepool

Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper Photo: PA

Manager: Neale Cooper

Position last season: 13th

Nickname: Pools

Ground: Victoria Park

Capacity: 7,856

Players in: Jonathan Franks (Middlesbrough, free), Simon Walton (Plymouth, free), Steve Howard (Leicester, free)

Players out: Gary Liddle (Notts County, free), James Brown (Gateshead, free), Adam Boyd (Celtic Nation, free), Colin Larkin, Steve Haslam, Callum Hassan (all released), Nolberto Solano (retired)

Key man: Simon Walton - has a good relationship with Cooper and should establish himself as a fan-favourite with his tireless performances in midfield.

Chances: Decent summer signings suggest Pools can mount play-off challenge, especially if their youngsters can repeat last season's form.