TEN players could be shown the Hartlepool United exit door

The Mail has learned the club could let up to 10 players depart this summer as Craig Hignett and Matthew Bates oversee a complete squad overhaul.

Three Pools players are out of contract this summer and are understood not to have an option to extend placed in their deal.

All three – Liam Donnelly, Michael Woods and Devante Rodney – are expected to depart.

Woods has been attracting interest from the Football League, with Exeter keen to reignite their January interest. Admiring glances have also come from the National League North, too, with recently promoted Salford City, who are set spend big this summer, keeping tabs on Pools’ 11-goal top-scorer.

As for Donnelly and Rodney, Pools would be due a development fee for both of these players, if, as expected they move on.

Rodney’s fee will be considerably less than Northern Irishman Donnelly’s – due in no small part to the number of games he has played for Pools, and his international exploits.

A number of Scottish Premiership clubs have expressed an interest in Donnelly, but St Johnstone, managed by compatriot Tommy Wright, have pulled out of the running to sign the former Fulham trainee.

There are a whole host of others whose deals are up but they have contractual obligations - one-year options weighted either in the club or player’s favour.

Some of these will stay, others will leave.

Jake Cassidy is one of these players, and it is almost certain he will remain, while the likes of Carl Magnay and Nicky Featherstone could also stay after Bates has been handed the job full time.

Even some of those who have a year left may not be safe, with the club looking to turn around the downward spiral of recent years.

Meanwhile, Bates admits his side must improve their home form if they’re to have an impact in the National League next season.

“The only disappointment for me has been the home form, but that’s nothing new, it’s been like this for a few seasons,” he said.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players, some have played when they really shouldn’t have.

“I really can’t thank them enough for what they’ve dome for me and the coaches and for the club.”