Hartlepool United have confirmed a lengthy list of players that have departed the club.

Hartlepool United have confirmed the likes of Tom Parkes, Adam Campbell and Alex Reid are on a list of 16 players that have left the club in the aftermath of a review of all club operations by Bromby and Partners.

As it stands, just four senior players remain under contract for the new campaign - although Pools have exercised options on the current deals of Jay Benn, Reiss McNally and former Newcastle United youngster Josh Donaldson, who will return to the club following a season-long loan at Northern Premier League East Division club Dunston UTS. They will join Max Kouogun, Jamie Miley, Nathan Sheron and young winger Kian Foreman as part of the squad that will work under Nicky Featherstone’s successor when pre-season training gets underway in late June.

Pools have also confirmed they are in contract talks with Luke Charman, Jack Hunter and Campbell Darcy as their existing deals have come to an end and player-goalkeeper coach Adam Smith is also in talks with a club statement stating ‘discussions are ongoing regarding his future role, with a number of options under consideration’.

Loan signings Cameron John, Tyrese Sinclair, Charlie Caton and Calvin Okike have all returned to their parent clubs and 12 senior players have officially been released as their contracts come to a close. Attacking quartet Adam Campbell, Danny Johnson, Vadaine Oliver and Alex Reid head the list and they depart alongside goalkeeper Nick Hayes and experienced duo Tom Parkes and Gavan Holohan. Also departing are Matty Daly, Nathan Ferguson, Sam Folarin, Louis Stephenson and Brad Walker as Pools appear to have handed their new manager with an opportunity to work with a largely new look squad ahead of their first season in charge at the Prestige Group Stadium.

In a statement released on the club’s website on Tuesday evening, Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, explained the thinking behind the decision to release so many members of the squad and explained that work is ongoing to appoint a new first-team coach and develop the club’s backroom staff.

‘That work is ongoing’

Pools appointed specialist football advisory firm Bromby and Partners as the club take the first steps towards delivering what owner Landon Smith hopes will be sustained success on and off the pitch. Picture by Frank Reid. | Local Library

placeholder image — Pools appointed specialist football advisory firm Bromby and Partners as the club take the first steps towards delivering what owner Landon Smith hopes will be sustained success on and off the pitch. Picture by Frank Reid. | Local Library

He said: “Our focus is on building the right squad, supported by the right environment, to deliver success for Hartlepool United. We’re pleased to retain a strong core group and to have secured players we believe will play an important role. I also want to thank those leaving the Club for their professionalism and contribution during their time here. A number of important decisions have already been taken to strengthen the structure of the football department, giving us a clear platform to build from as we look ahead to next season and beyond.

“There is still important work to be done, including the appointment of a new first-team coach and the continued development of our backroom structure. That work is ongoing, and we are confident we are putting the right people and processes in place to achieve our ambitions.”

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