Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season and the appointment of new manager Darren Sarll, preparations for the new campaign can now begin but which players do I believe should be on Hartlepool’s shortlist this summer?

After their relegation in the 2022/23 campaign, Hartlepool returned to the National League in the hope of making an immediate return to the EFL but that simply wasn’t the case. The football club endeavoured a frustrating campaign and finished the season with Kevin Phillips in charge.

Hartlepool produced a thrilling 4-3 victory against already-relegated Dorking Wanderers on the final day of the season to confirm a 12th placed finish in the fifth tier. From their 46 league games, Hartlepool lost 20 games and conceded 82 goals, which is something that Darren Sarll needs to address next season.

I posted a tweet on social media asking supporters across English football to provide recommendations on areas that they feel their side needs. Hartlepool fan Daniel (@DanielHUFC on Twitter) stated that his side needed a goalkeeper, defensive and midfield reinforcements as well as at least one winger ahead of the new season.

With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential options for the football club…

Luke Daniels

Beginning between the sticks, former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Luke Daniels will be a free agent this summer after his exit from League Two side Forest Green Rovers was confirmed.

The 36-year-old made 20 appearances for Steve Cotterill’s side last season, keeping three clean sheets in what was a difficult campaign for the goalkeeper. He also managed to prevent 4.8 goals as well as a save percentage of 63%.

Having featured for both Middlesbrough and Scunthorpe United, a return to the North East could prove a difficult opportunity for the goalkeeper to turn down.

Maxim Kouogun

Moving into the only defender in this list, I have decided to focus my attention on Scunthorpe United’s Maxim Kouogun who deserves a return to the fifth tier following the Iron’s play-off semi-final defeat.

The 27-year-old joined Scunthorpe from York City last summer, making 27 appearances for the football club. During that time, Kouogun also grabbed four goals and provided an additional assist. His defensive presence helped Scunthorpe to a top-three finish last season and his performances warrant a move into the fifth tier.

Unlike the other entries in this list, Kouogun is under contract and would require a fee, but I firmly believe it is a fee worth paying if Hartlepool want to secure themselves defensively.

Dan Adshead

My first midfield selection is Dan Adshead who is available on a free transfer following his release by League One side Cheltenham Town.

Adshead finished the 2023/24 season on loan with National League rivals AFC Fylde, making 19 appearances. During that time, the 22-year-old averaged 8.4 ball recoveries and 3.3 interceptions per 90 minutes as well as a passing success rate of 85%.

Available on a free transfer and only 22, Adshead for me is a ‘no-brainer’ for Hartlepool United this summer and is likely to be on the shortlist for many National League sides.

Jim Kellermann

It wouldn’t have been a transfer targets list if I didn’t mention one of Darren Sarll’s go-to players in the form of Woking’s Jim Kellermann who will be a free agent this summer after his departure was confirmed.

The 29-year-old played a crucial role for Sarll’s play-off side last season and has made a further 19 appearances this season, falling out of favour under the management of Michael Doyle. However, he did add three further goal contributions to his tally before his release was confirmed.

Kellermann is an experienced National League midfielder which is something Hartlepool lacked in their returning campaign in the fifth tier and is someone I am almost certain will follow Sarll ahead of their new season.

Kai Kennedy

In terms of possible wingers, one player that springs to mind is York City’s Kai Kennedy who is available on a free transfer after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

The Scottish winger made just 16 appearances last season after falling out of favour but provided two assists including one against Hartlepool United in January which turned out to be Kennedy’s final match for the football club.

The 22-year-old is already based in the North of England and if he decides to remain below the border, a switch to Hartlepool United could be an ideal destination to kickstart his career, especially with Hartlepool releasing several attacking players including Josh Umerah and Chris Wreh.

Hartlepool fans, what are your thoughts on these selections? Would you take any of these at your club? Let us know on Twitter @NonLeagueDeck.