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.
17. Patiently waiting
Hartlepool United fans queue up early outside the club's ticket office to buy tickets for the away clash at Darlington's 96.6 TFM Arena. It was worth the wait as Pools triumphed 3-0 on the way to promotion from League 2. Photo: FLR
18. Park life
Midfield player Gary Liddle with Hartlepool United fans at Adams Park after Pools beat Wycombe Wanderers to secure an instant return to League One in 2007. Picture by FRANK REID. D21731 Photo: Frank Reid
19. Three and easy
Poolies celebrate the 3-0 drubbing of Darlington at the 96.6 TFM Arena in 2007. Photo: FLR
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