Our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling has graded and assessed all 12 of Hartlepool United's summer signings. What do you make of his marks and comments?
1. Harvey Cartwright: A+
Surely the best goalkeeper Pools have had since relegation back to the National League in 2023, Cartwright arrived on loan from Hull on the eve of the new season and kept a remarkable seven clean sheets in 13 appearances before being forced to return to East Yorkshire prematurely in October. Admittedly aided by a rock solid defence in front of him, the 23-year-old kept four clean sheets in his first four Pools games and produced a string of outstanding performances, impressing with his confidence and command of his area. Felt like a huge blow when he trudged off 37 minutes into October's defeat to rivals Carlisle with an injury that curtailed his loan spell in the North East. As long as his body allows, looks destined to carve out a successful career in the Football League. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
2. Jay Benn: C
Other than a spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury towards the end of August, the former Lincoln, Solihull and Bradford man has been a regular in the Pools side this season but has endured an up-and-down campaign so far. Started promisingly and appeared to be thriving at wing-back under Simon Grayson but has faded fairly dramatically since then and it doesn't feel like Pools fans have ever really taken to him. Never gives less than 100 per cent and has produced a number of impressive performances, memorably during December's statement win over title-chasing Rochdale, while he's done well enough after being asked to fill in at left-back in recent weeks. Even so, has at times looked vulnerable defensively, while his end product going forward leaves a lot to be desired. Probably hasn't been helped by a lack of cover and competition in his position. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Maxim Kouogun: B
Much like Parkes, the Irishman endured a bit of an up-and-down start to the season after sealing a summer move from Scunthorpe, who he helped win promotion from the National League North last term before turning down a new deal at Glanford Park, beginning the campaign on the bench before being sent off during a goalless draw against Boreham Wood at the end of August. Since then, however, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on the Pools teamsheet, impressing with his athleticism and aerial prowess. Based on recent evidence, could well go on to establish himself as the leader in the Pools back line for years to come. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Reiss McNally: B
Made a superb start to life at Victoria Park before an injury sustained against Brackley in September kept him out for three-and-a-half months, a big blow for Pools. Impressed on his return to the side after coming off the bench seven minutes into December's statement win over high-flying Rochdale, slotting seamlessly into the back line despite being introduced much earlier than expected after Jack Hunter limped off following a collision. Hasn't quite looked back up to speed since then, however, and didn't appear altogether comfortable when being asked to fill in at right-back while Jay Benn deputised for the suspended Cameron John on the opposite flank, allowing Hady Ghandour to steal off his shoulder and square the ball for Charlie Warren to score the second of Aldershot's three goals during a humbling defeat to the Hampshire side last month. Was much-improved after returning to his favoured position in the heart of the Pools defence against title-chasing York last time out, heading home his second goal of the season. Photo: Frank Reid