Stormtroopers invade Plymouth as Hartlepool fans pick Star Wars theme for end of season tradition

Dozens of Poolies have made the long 600-mile round trip to Plymouth and are joining in the fancy dress tradition that has grown and grown in recent years.

This year, opposition supporters will feel the full force of the Pools fans dressed this year as stormtroopers from Star Wars.

Fans were in high spirits yesterday as they boarded coaches from Victoria Park and demonstrated their outfits that will fill the away section of Plymouth Argyle.

Fancy dress organiser John Pearson earlier said told the club website: “Two years ago we sent the Thunderbirds to offer Colin Cooper’s squad International Rescue at Plymouth.

“This year, with Plymouth potentially going for automatic promotion, it’s felt we need to send a stronger ‘force’ to match up to their Green Army!

“Stormtroopers have come close to making an appearance in the past but it’s topical at the moment and we feel like now is their time.”

He added: “Everybody looks forward to the last day of the season, especially when we have had a disappointing season which we have.

“It is an opportunity to spend time with the people who we have travelled with throughout the season.”

Although, they rarely speak in the movies, stormtroopers are one of the most popular figures of the Star Wars franchise as foot soldiers for the evil Empire.

They will feature in the first Star Wars spin off movie Rogue One due out in cinemas just before Christmas.

A number of fans are making a weekend of it and are staying overnight in Torquay.

They are sure to turn a few heads on their way to Plymouth.

The fans have hit the headlines in previous years with their eye-catching matching costumes.

Stand out costumes have included Smurfs, penguins, Thunderbirds and Oompa Loompas.

Last year, manager Ronnie Moore even joined in the fun donning Bob Marley dreadlocks.

If you are going to be among the legion of Poolie stormtroopers we would love to see and share your pictures.

You can send them to us at our Facebook page, twitter @hpoolmail or email them to [email protected]