Saturday 25 May 2013 16:29, UK
Colin Cooper has already contacted the north east's 'big three' about the possibility of bringing players to Hartlepool.
Cooper, 46, was confirmed as Pools' new manager on Friday, replacing John Hughes, and he has already identified potential signings. He is keen to forge strong links with his former club Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle and told PoolsPlayer: "Between myself and Craig (Hignett) we have covered three-quarters of the Football League and Premier League. "People are already phoning us asking what can they do to help - those connections will be vital. The additions we want to make will help to bring a freshness. "Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland will be doing all they can to help us. Those conversations have already been had. "We are going to need that help from the north east's big clubs."
