Hartley was axed by Hartlepool in September following a 2-0 defeat at Sutton United to leave the club 23rd in the League Two table and without a win in the opening nine games of the season.
Despite a summer of huge turnover which involved 16 players coming through the door at the Suit Direct Stadium - as well as former Sunderland forward Chris Maguire who was unable to feature for the club due to contractual issues - Hartley’s tenure turned out to be one to forget for supporters.
And with Hartlepool manager Keith Curle now looking to reshape his squad in the January transfer window, with the club anticipating a number of ins and outs, could some of those outgoings be tempted to reunite with their former boss at Cove Rangers?
Here, at The Mail, we consider a number of players who Hartley may consider.
And with Hartlepool manager Keith Curle now looking to reshape his squad in the January transfer window, with the club anticipating a number of ins and outs, could some of those outgoings be tempted to reunite with their former boss at Cove Rangers?