How Hartlepool United could line up next season:
5. Right-back: Dan Dodds
The return of Dodds, who missed almost all of last season following an ACL injury sustained in August, will be like a new signing for Pools. It can often take time for players to get back to their best after such a long injury - and ACLs are notoriously tough to recover from - but, at 23, Dodds should be able to hit the ground running. He was back out on the grass in March and looked in good condition and will benefit from having a whole pre-season to ease himself back into action. When he's fit and firing, his pace alone can make a huge difference to Pools and he has become a fan favourite since signing from rivals Darlington in January last year. Teenagers Louis Stephenson and Campbell Darcy will provide cover and competition but, providing he can keep himself fit, Dodds is likely to be first choice at right-back. Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022
6. Central-midfield: Rohan Ince
After the departures of both Tom Crawford and Callum Cooke, as well as a new "transitional" role for Nicky Featherstone, Pools are in need of a new look midfield and Rohan Ince could be the man to provide the muscle and mobility at the base of it. The 31-year-old was an integral part of Sarll's Woking side that reached the National League play-offs in 2023, scoring eight times in 47 appearances, but has been made available for transfer by the Cardinals after a less successful campaign this time around. The Montserrat international, who boasts more than 100 Championship appearances to his name, has a lot of the attributes Pools will be looking for this summer - at six foot three, he adds height and power, he has experience but remains mobile, he has spent much of his storied career as the screening midfielder and Sarll knows him well. Photo: Getty Images
7. Central-midfield: James Kellermann
If Sarll can lure both Ince and James Kellermann to the North East, then he'll have managed to recreate the midfield partnership that propelled Woking to the play-offs just 12 months ago. Like Ince, Kellermann is experienced, strong, well-regarded and, at 29, a good age. He'll be available on a free when he leaves Woking at the end of next month and has represented Aldershot, AFC Fylde and Chesterfield at National League level. Photo: Hartlepool United Football Club
8. Left-midfield: Myles Hippolyte
It would be a significant statement of intent if Pools could land Myles Hippolyte, who is set to be released by League Two champions Stockport County, to add some much-needed width to their ranks. The 29-year-old is another player Sarll knows well, having been a key part of the Yeovil team that reached the National League play-offs in 2020, scoring five goals in 35 appearances. He went onto establish himself as one of the best wingers in the National League under former Pools boss Dave Challinor after signing for Stockport County and was a regular in League Two last term, playing an impressive 55 times. Injuries made things more difficult this season and he is set to leave Edgeley Park after two-and-a-half years. Sarll would surely love to lure the Grenadian international to the Suit Direct Stadium this summer. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images