Our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling has taken a look at 11 free agents Pools could sign in a bid to increase their chances of gatecrashing the top seven.
1. John Bostock
The 33-year-old midfielder, who began his career at Crystal Palace before spending time at the likes of Tottenham, Brentford and Hull, has been without a club since leaving Solihull Moors in the summer. The veteran, who has also had spells overseas in Canada, France, Belgium and Turkey made 41 appearances for the Moors while he was also an integral part of the Notts County side that won promotion from the National League in 2023, scoring an 87th minute equaliser in the play-off final against Chesterfield. Photo: Getty Images
2. Matty Lund
The vastly experienced midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Salford, where he scored 26 goals in 167 games, over the summer. Has also spent time at the likes of Southend, Rochdale, finding the net 35 times in 170 appearances, and Scunthorpe. Photo: Getty Images
3. Tom Carroll
The ball-playing midfielder, best known for spells with Tottenham and Swansea, where he featured regularly in the Premier League, has been available since a brief spell at League One Reading came to an end in June. Photo: Alex Davidson
4. Luca Barrington
The exciting young attacker came through the ranks at Manchester City before signing for Brighton in 2022. Although the 20-year-old never made a senior appearance for the Seagulls, he impressed during a spell on loan with League Two Grimsby last season, scoring four goals in 43 games. Photo: Michael Regan