Hartlepool United – 2025/26 Season Preview (Updated August 2025): Same Turbulence, Bigger Squad, Same Fears
Back in early July, when this preview was first written, Hartlepool’s pre-season mood was… let’s just say, stormy. A paper-thin squad, Raj Singh ownership saga dragging on, and Simon Grayson looking like he’d walked into a rescue mission without a lifeboat.
Fast forward a month, and the picture is slightly different. The squad has been fleshed out with several late-window signings – Jermaine Francis (Barnet), Matty Daly (Harrogate Town), Besart Topalloj (Bromley, loan), Alex Reid (Oldham), Cameron John (York City, loan), and Max Kouogun (Scunthorpe) have all checked in, while Josh Donaldson arrived from Newcastle before being swiftly loaned to Dunston. Danny Johnson also joined from Walsall in July, meaning the attacking options are finally looking less Sunday League and more National League-ready.
That’s 11 new faces in total for Grayson’s rebuild, a stark change from early July’s 13-man squad panic. For once, depth isn’t just an abstract concept in Hartlepool – they might actually be able to name a full bench at Yeovil this Saturday.
Off the Pitch: Same Old Noise
While Grayson’s done his best on the recruitment front, off-field chaos remains relentless. Herd International’s supposed takeover hasn’t materialised, Raj Singh still sits in the boardroom, and the Poolie Bunker forum allegedly remains one legal-letter away from a civil war. Neil Pinkerton joined as Non-Exec Director, Andy Steel left the board, and yet no one really believes there’s a coherent plan behind the scenes.
Fan Mood: Pessimism with a Pinch of “Maybe…”
In July, fans feared relegation. Some still do. But with a bulked-out squad and some half-decent business late on (Kouogun and Reid especially), there’s now at least a debate about whether Pools could flirt with mid-table safety instead of freefall. That’s progress, right?
Still, plenty of doubts remain. The loss of Dieseruvwe and Mancini has stripped proven quality, creativity is scarce, and many signings come with fitness or form questions. Grayson needs this squad to click fast, avoid injuries, and pray that the Raj Singh saga doesn’t derail everything again.
Read: Original Hartlepool United preview 2025/26 inclusive of retained list and player outgoings
