Focus on Hartlepool as part of season countdown
We continue our build-up to 2014/15 by focusing on Hartlepool United with manager Colin Cooper aiming to engineer a much better second season in League 2 after relegation in 2013.
A promising start turned into a struggle in the second half of last season with Hartlepool finishing one place above the Dons in the final reckoning.
this weekend and aiming to get off to a fast start this Saturday.Wall of ColourThe men from the North East will be one of 72 clubs in the Football League celebrating the
Zak Boagey, Andy Monkhouse, Greg Rutherford, Simon Walton Players out:
Mathew Bates, Stuart Parnaby Players in:
278 miles Distance between two clubs:
Saturday, 23 August (h), Saturday, 28 February (a) When we meet:
th19 Finishing position last season:
L W Last two results against the Dons:
It’s been fairly quiet on the transfer front at Hartlepool United this summer with just four players departing and two arriving. However, the additions of Stuart Parnaby (pictured) and Matthew Bates could be key signings. The pair previously played together in Middlesbrough’s defence when the club were in the Premier League and will offer vast experience and leadership for Hartlepool.
It was honours even between the Dons and Hartlepool last season with both clubs winning their home matches. However, Colin Cooper’s men actually played very well in a 2-1 defeat at Wimbledon, a match that saw the Dons complete a dramatic turnaround through a Danny Hylton winner, and it was something of a surprise that they slipped so close to the relegation trapdoor. Having come through a tough first campaign in League 2 and getting to know all about the division, Colin Cooper will be aiming to initiate a much-improved season.