Rhys Oates

Jamie Sterry is one of the key assets heading out of contract at Hartlepool United this summer. (Photo: Chris Donnelly | MI News)

Hartlepool United's contract conundrum revealed

Hartlepool United were 3-1 winners over Harrogate Town in the FA Cup in November. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Hartlepool United v Harrogate Town: Pools meet Harrogate for the fourth time

Jack Hamilton scored his first league goal for Hartlepool United. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)

How Pools fared in Mansfield reverse

Rhys Oates scored on his return to Hartlepool United with Mansfield Town. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)

Hartlepool United 1-2 Mansfield Town: Pools end 2022 with a defeat

Free agent striker Theo Robinson could be edging nearer to a move to Hartlepool United. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Hartlepool United move for free agent striker could be edging nearer

Rhys Oates will miss the League Two meeting with Hartlepool United. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Rhys Oates keeping tabs on Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United's trip to Mansfield Town has been given a new date (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Hartlepool United handed new date for Mansfield Town trip

Former Hartlepool United striker Rhys Oates is set for spell on the sideline. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Ex-Hartlepool United striker set for a spell on the sideline

Ben Killip returns from illness to start in goal for Hartlepool United. Picture by FRANK REID

Graeme Lee makes three changes to his starting line-up

Rhys Oates played a key role in firing Hartlepool United back to the Football League. Picture by FRANK REID

Rhys Oates set for Suit Direct Stadium reunion

Hartlepool United goalkeeper Ben Killip missed the trip to Northampton Town through illness. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News)

PREDICTED XI: Will Ben Killip feature in one of three changes

Luke Molyneux has been one of Hartlepool United's leading performers this season. (Credit: James Holyoak | MI News)

Luke Molyneux gives injury update ahead of Harrogate Town clash

Tom Crawford is enjoying a good run in the Hartlepool United first team. (Credit: Will Matthews | MI News)

Tom Crawford: We can be confident

Chris Wilder. (Photo by John Early/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder's Middlesbrough leave it late as they edge past Mansfield in five-g...

It's been a 2021 to remember for Hartlepool United after their promotion back to the Football League. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

REVIEW: The highs and lows of Hartlepool United's 2021

Hartlepool United will come up against former striker Rhys Oates at Mansfield Town on Boxing Day. 06-06-20212. Picture by FRANK REID

Pools set for Oates reunion
Graeme Lee may not have had the opportunity to deal with Rhys Oates during Hartlepool United’s promotion winning campaign, but he knows the threat facing his side this afternoon.

Rhys Oates in action for Hartlepool United last season. Picture by FRANK REID

Inside track on how ex-Hartlepool United ace has done at Mansfield Town

Hartlepool United travel to Mansfield Town on Boxing Day where they will come up against a familiar face. Picture by FRANK REID

Inside track: Mansfield Town v HUFC

Will Goodwin in action for Hartlepool United against Carlisle United (photo: Frank Reid).

Pools' striker dilemma 'similar' to last season, but positive start has helped

Hartlepool United's Gavan Holohan celebrates after scoring during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Hartlepool United and Carlisle United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 28th August 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Hartlepool United's summer transfer business review: All 11 signings assessed

Lauren Francis from Tweddle Farm with Oatesy the lamb. Picture by FRANK REID

Would ewe believe it – Oatesy the lamb predicts a Pools win

Rhys Oates of Hartlepool United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Semi Final match between Stockport County and Hartlepool at Edgeley Park on June 13, 2021 in Stockport, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Comment: Oates' move leaves a sour taste but Pools must move on

Rhys Oates

Oates reveals reason behind Mansfield switch after signing two-year deal

Rhys Oates of Hartlepool United celebrates following the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Hartlepool United and Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Pools close to securing new deals with two key players

Hartlepool United's Rhys Oates celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Maidenhead United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 8th May 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Watch Pools’ 2020-21 goal of the season winner

Luke Armstrong celebrates the opening goal against Torquay United (photo: Frank Reid).

Pools 1-1 Torquay match report: PROMOTION JOY!

David Ferguson in action for Hartlepool United. Picture by FRANK REID

Former Sunderland defender named in National League team of the season for Pools
David Ferguson has been confirmed as Hartlepool United’s only representative in the 2020-21 National League team of the season.

Mark Shelton of Hartlepool United celebrates after Rhys Oates scores his team's first goal during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Semi Final match between Stockport County and Hartlepool at Edgeley Park on June 13, 2021 in Stockport, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Shelton on Pools’ ‘game plan’ and ‘infectious’ mentality ahead of play-off final

Simon Rusk, manager of Stockport County (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

‘We created the better chances’ – Stockport boss reacts to play-off defeat

Hartlepool manager, Dave Challinor during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

‘Horrible’ – Challinor’s random thought that sums up late nerves at Stockport

Rhys Oates celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Jamie Sterry reveals the Hartlepool United dressing room reaction to win over St...

Rhys Oates of Hartlepool United and James Jennings of Stockport County during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Pools player ratings from 1-0 win at Stockport – 9s and 10s

Dave Challinor during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Challinor explains why he didn’t celebrate Oates’ winner at Stockport

STOCKPORT, UK. JUNE 13TH Scott Andrews of Stockport County contests a header with Gavan Holohan of Hartlepool United during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Pools fans are buzzing with play-off semi-final win

Rhys Oates celebrates scoring the winning goal.

Watch the brilliant full-time scenes as Hartlepool United beat Stockport

Rhys Oates in action during the Vanarama National League match between Stockport County and Hartlepool United at the Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport on Sunday 13th June 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Stockport 0-1 Pools verdict – Oates' books Pools a place in the play-off final

Live updates as Hartlepool United take on Stockport in the National League play-offs

Live Stockport 0 Hartlepool United 1 FT: Oates the hero for Pools

Ryan Johnson following Hartlepool United's 3-2 win over Bromley (photo: Frank Reid)

Johnson preparing for a 'different challenge' Stockport

Nicky Featherstone celebrating following the 3-2 play-off win over Bromley at Victoria Park. 06-06-20212. Picture by FRANK REID

Nicky Featherstone’s selfless comments show why he’s Pools’ model pro

Rhys Oates celebrates his goal.

Dave Challinor reacts to 3-2 win over Bromley

Rhys Oates celebrates the opening goal for Hartlepool United.

Pools 3-2 Bromley verdict: Pools survive late scare to progress to semis

Hartlepool United fans celebrate the victory over Bromley.

Delighted Hartlepool United fans react to stunning Rhys Oates display

Hartlepool United are battling for promotion to the Football League.

Live Hartlepool United 3 Bromley 2 RECAP: Rhys Oates at the double

Rhys Oates scores his goal.

Rhys Oates reveals the secret to his goalscoring success

Rhys Oates celebrates his goal in Hartlepool United's victory over Weymouth.

Rhys Oates on unfinished business at Pools

Rhys Oates in action against Weymouth. Picture by FRANK REID

Rhys Oates reveals the ‘catalyst’ behind the ‘best season’ of his career

Hartlepool United player of the season.

Hartlepool United boss discusses his ‘players of the season’

Hartlepool United's Rhys Oates with his player of the season award during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Weymouth at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 29th May 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Pools forward reacts to player of the season clean sweep

Hartlepool United fans return to Victoria Park. Picture by FRANK REID

'Loved every second' – Pools players and fans react to 4-0 win over Weymouth

Hartlepool United forward's Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong have formed a formidable striker partnership this season (photo: Frank Reid)

Challinor on 'pivotal' Pools duo in National League promotion push

Armstrong opens the scoring (photo: Frank Reid)

Aldershot 1-3 Pools verdict: Changes prove key

Luke Armstrong celebrates scoring for Hartlepool United (photo: Frank Reid)

Pools player ratings from win at Aldershot – SIX 8s

Rhys Oates of Hartlepool United celebrates with team mates after putting his side 1-0 up during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Woking at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 20th March 2021. (Credit: Chris Booth | MI News)

Pools striker 'epitomises the never say die spirit’ says Challinor

Hartlepool United's Luke Armstrong celebrates after scoring. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Armstrong ‘fine’ for Aldershot trip while loan striker has ‘slight issue’

Hartlepool United's Rhys Oates celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Maidenhead United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 8th May 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Watch: Pools striker scores goal of the season contender