Hartlepool United fans get ready to don their best flat caps at the club’s last away game of the season

Pools Fans have been asked to don flat caps for the club’s last away match of the season at Rochdale, in Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Supporters have made headlines for the past 15 years thanks to their hugely popular fancy dress tradition and this year is set to be no different.

The club has revealed this year’s theme is a cost-effective option and aims to “bring a sense of nostalgia back to the terraces”.

Hartlepool United said in a statement: “It’s that time of the season again, and 15 years on, there is still the appetite amongst Poolies to have a good time and show other clubs what our fans are about.”

From Stormtroopers and Smurfs to the Blues Brothers and Bob Marley, fans have donned it all.

The club added: “Supporters have always added colour, fun, enthusiasm and anticipation to our final away games of the season.

“Cost and availability are always a consideration and for this season, a flat cap army will be cheap, cheerful and bring a sense of nostalgia back to the terraces, whilst helping charity shops around the town raise some much needed funds.

“What goes on below the cap is open to the imagination, from Andy Capp to Peaky Blinders, Catherine Cookson or Likely Lads.

"If supporters could don a flat cap at our fixture at Rochdale on April 26, it would continue to celebrate a fantastic Poolie tradition.”