2026/27 Season Preview
A New Chapter Begins as FC Hartlepool Set Sights on Another Strong Campaign
By FC Hartlepool Media Team
Published: Saturday 25 July 2026
The wait is almost over.
After weeks of hard work on the training ground and an encouraging pre-season schedule, FC Hartlepool are ready to begin another exciting chapter as the 2026/27 Ebac Northern League Division Two season gets underway.
Friday night’s trip to Darlington Town marks the start of a fresh campaign for a side looking to build on the progress made over the past 12 months.
Last season proved to be another significant milestone in the club’s journey. A fourth-place finish, a place in the Division Two play-offs and the league’s best home record, with 17 victories at Grayfields, demonstrated just how far FC Hartlepool has come.
Now, with a settled squad, exciting new additions and another season of Northern League football ahead, optimism is growing around Grayfields.
Building on Strong Foundations
One of the club’s biggest successes this summer has been keeping the core of last season’s squad together.
Captain Lewy Green will once again lead the side after an outstanding campaign that saw him collect both the Management Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards. His decision to remain at FC Hartlepool despite interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid was a major statement of intent ahead of the new season.
Leading goalscorer Nathan Bayes also returns after finding the net 28 times last season, while Aidan Chainey, Fin Smith, Mikey McGee, Tom Miller, Liam Appleby, Jake Stott, Josh Rowbotham and Tom Gavin all remain part of the squad.
Retaining that group provides continuity, experience and a winning mentality as the club looks to challenge towards the top end of the division once again.
Strength Added Across the Squad
The management team has also strengthened the squad with a number of exciting additions over the summer.
Midfielder Jordan Fielding and defender James Leary arrive to add further quality and depth, while highly-rated goalkeeper Logan Douglas joins on a season-long loan from Gateshead Academy after becoming a priority target.
Douglas will battle with Jack Halton, who earned his opportunity after impressing throughout pre-season, creating healthy competition for the number one shirt.
Versatile youngster Harvey Parkinson has caught the eye during the summer and adds flexibility across several positions, while attacker Josh Stiff arrives from Billingham Town to provide further attacking options.
Completing the club’s recruitment is experienced defender Matty Lovatt, who joins after a successful six-year spell with Boro Rangers. Bringing valuable Northern League experience, Lovatt chose FC Hartlepool despite attracting interest from Division One clubs, underlining the ambition surrounding the project at Grayfields.
Assistant Manager's View
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Assistant Manager Mark Loynes is excited to see the hard work of pre-season put to the test.
One Club, One Direction
While attention now turns to the First Team, another exciting year lies ahead across the club.
FC Hartlepool continues to grow on and off the pitch, with more than 60 teams representing the club across boys’, girls’, ladies’ and senior football, alongside the historic milestone of FC Hartlepool Ladies preparing to compete in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
The club continues to move forward together under its One Club philosophy, with every player, coach, volunteer, sponsor and supporter playing their part.
A Message from the Chairman
Chairman Salaam Shaheen believes the club is in a strong position as another season gets underway.
Ready for the Challenge
Pre-season has provided valuable preparation, but now the focus shifts to competitive football.
The opening challenge comes away to Darlington Town before attention quickly turns to the first home league fixture of the season against Ryton at Grayfields.
Every season brings fresh opportunities, new stories and unforgettable moments. While the ambition remains to continue progressing and compete towards the top end of Division Two, everyone at FC Hartlepool understands that success is built through hard work, consistency and togetherness.
The incredible support shown home and away throughout last season played a huge part in the team’s success, and the players will once again be looking to the FC faithful to get behind them throughout the campaign.
With a strong core of retained players, exciting new additions and another productive pre-season behind them, FC Hartlepool head into the new campaign full of belief.
The foundations have been laid.
The squad is ready.
The supporters are behind the team.
Now, another chapter in the club’s story begins.
Bring on the 2026/27 season. 🔴🔵
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Season Opener: Darlington Town vs FC Hartlepool