So we thought we would get you in the mood for the next nine months by saluting the blue and white army with this collection of nostalgic fan pictures from down the years.
1. Blue and white arm-y
Hartlepool United fans at the Stadium of Light in January 2004 for their narrow 1-0 third round FA Cup defeat by Sunderland. Photo: LH
2. Happy Wanderers
Hartlepool United fans celebrate promotion at Wycombe Wanderers in 2007. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Arms aloft
Hartlepool United fans in a picture we think was taken at a match in 1996. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
4. Young at Hart
A toddler faces the camera at the 2005 League 1 play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday in 2005. Photo: FLR
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