Our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling has graded and assessed every Pools player as Nicky Featherstone's side gear up for the National League run-in.
9. 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
10. 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. Photo: Frank Reid
11. Cameron John: B+
Prior to the York loanee's needless red card on the stroke of half time during last month's heavy defeat against Woking, the 26-year-old was probably leading the running for the club's player of the season award. Indeed, John has impressed with his reliability and versatility, producing a string of assured performances at both centre-half and left-back, scoring a fine goal following a lung-busting forward run in November's excellent win over Eastleigh. While there's no doubt the defender let his side down after the red mist descended and he needlessly lashed out at Woking's Josh Osude last month, John has been generally impressive and Pools fans would surely be interested in the idea of making his loan move permanent in the summer. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Besart Topallaj: C-
Started the season so well and was outstanding on the opening day of the campaign against Yeovil, while he scored his one and only Pools goal during September's much-needed win over rivals Gateshead. Much like fellow summer recruit Jay Benn, ran out of steam fairly quickly and his defensive vulnerabilities soon started to be exposed. Was probably a little bit unfortunate that Nicky Featherstone never seemed to fancy him, albeit a spell sidelined through illness didn't help, and a move back down south to sign permanently for fellow National League side Sutton after his partner fell pregnant felt like the right thing for all parties. Photo: Frank Reid