Pools are in dire need of some defensive reinforcement, injuries have plagued the North East sides squad and manager Keith Curle should be looking for some additions.
With January on the horizon, that means the transfer window is open, but that may not come close enough. Pools are desperate for some points on the board in their attempt to remain in League Two this season.
There are some players currently in the free agent pool that Hartlepool United should be looking at for some options to the backline.
Paul Downing
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving League One Portsmouth in July of this year. Downing has a host of former clubs to his name including West Brom, MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers and Rochdale.
With over 250 appearances in League One, the Taunton native will be a very solid defender at the back for Curle and will bring plenty of experience to the side. Of course available for nothing.
Stephen Sama
A former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool academy player, Sama played for Accrington Stanley last season, before his release and is yet to find another club.
The German is 29 years old and will be a decent option for Pools if a deal can be made, the question is to whether he has remained in England since his departure from the Lancashire side. If Hartlepool can make this happen he will be a decent option for the centre of defence.
Ryan Bennett
With over 100 appearances in the Premier League, this one is a bit of a stretch, but Bennett is without a club since September when Swansea decided not to renew his contract.
A very experienced player, Bennett is exactly what Pools needs at the back, still just 32 as well. However, due to his stature in the game, it is unlikely a move to Hartlepool will be coming any time soon. Maybe he is ready to wind down his career and look for a new challenge.
Rhys Bennett
The more realistic of the two Bennetts in this list. Rhys last played for League One Morecambe so the step down to League Two is not much of a stretch.
Tall and commanding, Pools need some height back there and Bennett offers that and is available for nothing at all. His other clubs include Gillingham, Carlisle and Falkirk.
Luke Prosser
Last on this list is former Stevenage centre-back, Luke Prosser. He is a left-footed defender, which Pools are in need of. At 34 he doesn't have too much left to give but can be a decent option until the end of the season to help sure things up at the back.
Prosser has over 300 games under his belt in League Two, he knows the league inside out and knows what it takes to stay in it. A no-brainer for Keith Curle if he can prove his fitness.
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