Hartlepool United's squad evaluated and assessed:
![A home grown talent with pace to burn, Stephenson impressed towards the end of last season. Still has lots to learn, and might have to be content with deputising to Dan Dodds, but looks to have a bright future.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY2NzcyMWVlLWQ2ODQtNGViNS1iMzkxLTZjNzUzODBlNmZiYTo2ZDk5MTE0NC02NTVjLTQyZDQtOWRjNi1hYjdhZDU3ZDc4NWM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Louis Stephenson
A home grown talent with pace to burn, Stephenson impressed towards the end of last season. Still has lots to learn, and might have to be content with deputising to Dan Dodds, but looks to have a bright future.Photo: Frank Reid
![Made an impression during two fearless substitute appearances at the end of last term. Depending on the fitness of Dan Dodds, the teenager could be sent out on loan but his size, drive and running power means he could also be an option from the bench.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY4MzhkYTlhLWE0M2QtNDljNy1hNmUzLTg2OWI1ODdlZGYwODo3NTJlZTk4Ny01MGNjLTQ4ZmUtYmYxMi1iMDY1ZDExYmNjYWU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. Campbell Darcy
Made an impression during two fearless substitute appearances at the end of last term. Depending on the fitness of Dan Dodds, the teenager could be sent out on loan but his size, drive and running power means he could also be an option from the bench.Photo: Frank Reid
![Sarll will, probably, feel fairly content with his defensive options. His back for come August 10th will, in all likelihood, comprise Ferguson, Parkes, Waterfall and either Dodds or Stephenson, which looks strong. In teenage right-backs Stephenson and Darcy, Pools have ample cover in that area while Kieran Burton provides depth on the left side and can play at both full-back or centre-half. In an ideal world, Pools might look to bring in another central-defender as cover for Parkes and Waterfall, with the departure of Alex Lacey leaving Sarll's side with just three out-and-out centre-halves. That said, Burton and Jack Hunter could fill in if needed as well as, at a push, David Ferguson, and Pools might feel they can better spend their budget elsewhere.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjVhMTJlZmM2LTlmZjctNDk4NC04ZjMwLTYxN2U0OTA3ZWYzMzpkMmE1YTY1OC1iZjAzLTQ5MmYtYjg1NC1lYWMwMDkwNTJkZDM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
11. Potential defensive incomings
Sarll will, probably, feel fairly content with his defensive options. His back for come August 10th will, in all likelihood, comprise Ferguson, Parkes, Waterfall and either Dodds or Stephenson, which looks strong. In teenage right-backs Stephenson and Darcy, Pools have ample cover in that area while Kieran Burton provides depth on the left side and can play at both full-back or centre-half. In an ideal world, Pools might look to bring in another central-defender as cover for Parkes and Waterfall, with the departure of Alex Lacey leaving Sarll's side with just three out-and-out centre-halves. That said, Burton and Jack Hunter could fill in if needed as well as, at a push, David Ferguson, and Pools might feel they can better spend their budget elsewhere.Photo: Frank Reid
![Set to form part of a new look midfield for Pools next term Hunter, who played 44 times in a Halifax side that reached the play-offs last season, should have an important role to play. The 26-year-old arrives with a reputation for reliability, industry and tenacity and Pools will need him to screen the back four and break up play. Helped Gateshead to the National League North title and the FA Trophy final. Can also fill in at the back, ideally as one of three central-defenders.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdkYzU4NDA0LTgwZDQtNDUyNi04NGI3LTcyMDAzMmQxNmM4OTo0MGQyMTEyYS04MGUxLTQxZmEtYWE5ZC0zOTljZWQwMjRmOWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
12. Jack Hunter
Set to form part of a new look midfield for Pools next term Hunter, who played 44 times in a Halifax side that reached the play-offs last season, should have an important role to play. The 26-year-old arrives with a reputation for reliability, industry and tenacity and Pools will need him to screen the back four and break up play. Helped Gateshead to the National League North title and the FA Trophy final. Can also fill in at the back, ideally as one of three central-defenders.Photo: MARCUS BRANSTON