Lacey and Ferguson join a line of players currently out of action for Keith Curle’s side with defence a particular issue for the interim manager. Jamie Sterry, Rollin Menayese and Mouhamed Niang are all missing, while Brody Paterson was not involved for the FA Cup first round tie at Solihull Moors.
Curle had to include three of the club’s academy stars on the bench for the FA Cup tie but could soon be forced into scouring the free agent market once again should his defensive issues continue.
Curle has suggested he has yet to find any value for money in those players currently out of contract, but with just Euan Murray and Reghan Tumilty left as established defenders, Curle may have no alternative.
And here we look at some of those defensive free agents Pools could consider as per transfermarkt.
Curle has suggested he has yet to find any value for money in those players currently out of contract, but with just Euan Murray and Reghan Tumilty left as established defenders, Curle may have no alternative.
. CARLISLE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Rhys Bennett of Carlisle United scores his team's second goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Carlisle United and Salford City at Brunton Park on December 02, 2020 in Carlisle, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Hartlepool United's defensive injury concerns could lead to Keith Curle scouring the free agent market once more. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
. Luke Prosser
Experienced centre-back Prosser has been without a club since leaving Stevenage. The 34-year-old has featured for the likes of Northampton Town, Port Vale and Colchester United after his time as a youth with Tottenham Hotspur and could add some much needed nous on a short-term basis. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
. Ryan McLaughlin
Former Liverpool youngster McLaughlin has been training in West Belfast lately following his Morecambe exit. The 28-year-old full-back spent two seasons with Rochdale after an unsuccessful period with Blackpool and would provide an option in Jamie Sterry’s continued absence. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Burstow
5. Lewis Page
Former West Ham United youngster Page left Harrogate Town in the summer and is another who could provide an option on the left side of defence for Pools. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
6. Calvin Miller
Miller is only recently out of a club after the mutual termination of his deal at Chesterfield. Miller spent 10-years at Celtic before time in England with Harrogate Town and Notts.County. The 24-year-old would offer plenty of versatility for Keith Curle’s side. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Luke Croll
Former Crystal Palace youth centre-back Croll has been without a club since leaving Chesterfield. The defender has had spells with Exeter City and Dagenham & Redbridge in recent years. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Rose
8. Jonathan Dinzeyi
Young centre-back Dinzeyi has featured on both sides of the North London divide but was released from Arsenal in the summer. The defender had a brief loan spell at Carlisle United last season. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Photo: David Price