Club Overview
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Full Name: Hartlepool United Football Club
Nickname: The Pools
Founded: 1908
League: National League
Ground: Victoria Park (The Prestige Group Stadium)
Location: Hartlepool, County Durham
Colours: Blue & White
Hartlepool United are one of the most historic clubs in the National League. Founded in 1908 as Hartlepools United, the club spent over 90 years in the Football League and remains one of the biggest clubs in North East non-league football. Famous for their loyal support, traditional stadium and unique “Monkey Hangers” identity, Pools are among the best-supported clubs outside the EFL.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1908 |
| Nickname | The Pools |
| Ground | Victoria Park |
| Capacity | 7,865 |
| Opened | 1908 |
| Postcode | TS24 8BZ |
| League | National League |
| Club Colours | Blue & White |
| Record Attendance | 17,264 |
Victoria Park has been the club’s home since its formation and remains one of the most recognisable grounds in the National League.
Stadium Guide
Victoria Park
Ground Information
- Capacity: 7,865
- Seating: 4,180
- Opened: 1908
- Surface: Grass
- Address: Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
- Home of Hartlepool United since 1908
Victoria Park is one of the most traditional football grounds in England. The four floodlight pylons, close proximity of the stands to the pitch and old-school atmosphere make it a favourite among groundhoppers.
Record Attendance
17,264 vs Manchester United
FA Cup Third Round
5 January 1957.
Stadium Highlights
- Cyril Knowles Stand
- Neale Cooper Stand
- Town End Terrace
- Rink End
- Four traditional corner floodlights
- One of the most historic grounds in the North East
The Town End Terrace is widely regarded as the heart of the atmosphere and home to the club’s most vocal supporters.
Club History
Hartlepool United was formed in 1908 and quickly established itself as one of the leading clubs in the North East. The club joined the Football League in 1921 and remained there for more than eight decades.
One of the most famous periods in club history came under manager Cyril Knowles, who guided Hartlepool to promotion in 1991 before his tragic death from cancer. His legacy remains honoured through the naming of the club’s main stand.
Hartlepool enjoyed memorable cup runs throughout the years and became nationally famous in 1999 when goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored a dramatic last-minute goal for Carlisle United that relegated Pools’ rivals rather than Hartlepool themselves. The club also reached the League One Play-Off Final in 2005, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship.
Following relegation from the Football League in 2022, Hartlepool have remained among the National League’s biggest clubs and continue to push for a return to the EFL. In 2026, the club appointed former player and manager Lee Clark as head coach as part of their promotion ambitions.
Honours
National Honours
- Football League Fourth Division Champions (1967/68)
- Football League Third Division North Champions (1958/59)
- National League Play-Off Winners (2020/21)
Regional Honours
- Durham Challenge Cup Winners (multiple occasions)
- North Eastern League Champions
- Cleveland Challenge Cup Winners
Hartlepool’s promotion through the 2021 National League Play-Offs ended a four-year spell outside the Football League.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1908 |
| Ground Capacity | 7,865 |
| Record Attendance | 17,264 |
| Football League Membership | 1921–2017, 2021–2022 |
| Highest League Position | 2nd Tier (old Division Two) |
| Stadium Opened | 1908 |
Famous Players
- Brian Clough
- Cyril Knowles
- Adam Boyd
- Ritchie Humphreys
- Antony Sweeney
- Luke James
Brian Clough began his professional career at Hartlepools United, scoring an astonishing 238 goals in 274 appearances before moving to Middlesbrough.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- Darlington FC
- Gateshead FC
- York City FC
- Carlisle United
Fixtures against Darlington have historically been among the fiercest rivalries in North East football, while recent clashes with Gateshead and York City have become major National League fixtures.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Hartlepool Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the stadium.
By Car
- Easy access via the A19.
- Matchday parking available throughout the town centre.
Food & Drink
- Supporters’ Bar
- Matchday kiosks
- Numerous pubs around Clarence Road and Hartlepool Marina
Nearby Attractions
- Hartlepool Marina
- National Museum of the Royal Navy
- Seaton Carew Beach
- Hartlepool Headland
The marina area has become one of the best pre-match destinations in the National League, offering bars, restaurants and waterfront views within walking distance of the ground.
What Makes Hartlepool United Special?
The Monkey Hangers
Hartlepool supporters are famously known as the “Monkey Hangers”, a nickname linked to one of English football’s most unusual local legends.
Brian Clough Connection
The legendary manager started his career with Hartlepools United and remains one of the club’s most famous former players.
Traditional Football Ground
Victoria Park is one of the last great old-school football grounds in England, blending modern facilities with historic character.