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.
45. True blues
More smiles ahead to the titanic tussle with Sheffield Wednesday at Cardiff in 2005. Photo: FLR
46. Hat trick
Three Hartlepool United are ready for the FA Cup clash at Sunderland in 2004. Photo: FLR
47. Blue and white in black and white
Pools players meet fans in the 1950s. Photo: National World
48. All smiles
Hartlepool United superman Jeff Stelling joins Poolies for a picture at Eastleigh in 2024. Photo: Frank Reid
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