Manager Dave Challinor has brought in five new signings ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Midfielder Mark Shelton has re-joined the club on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last season.

Shelton (pictured) joined the club in January 2019 from SkyBet League Two side Salford City and made 14 appearances with 3 goals.

Shelton came through the ranks at Burton Albion before making a name for himself during a successful spell with National League North outfit Alfreton Town which persuaded Salford to pay money for him in 2017.

During his time with the Ammies, he played his part in back-to-back promotions, helping them drive up from National League North to claim their place in the EFL.

Timi Odusina has also completed a permanent move to Pools from relegated Premier League side Norwich City.

After a successful loan spell last season, he has returned to the club eager to add to his previous 8 appearances.

Odusina has been with the Canaries since he was 14 when he made a move from Arsenal and he signed professional terms at Carrow Road in 2016.

Since then he’s gone on to skipper City’s under-23 side in Premier League 2 before gaining senior experience with his spell at AFC Fylde during the 2018/19 season under current Pools boss Dave Challinor.

Another former loanee to make his move to Pools a more permanent one is Gary Liddle.

Liddle made a return to The Vic in January from parent club Walsall and added to his impressive 284 appearances that all started back in 2006.

Liddle made his senior debut in Pools colours back in August 2006 after Danny Wilson signed him from Middlesbrough and he played a key role as the club won promotion from League Two in 2006/07.

He was crowned as joint players’ player of the year alongside Michael Nelson during an impressive first season at The Vic, going on to play 284 times and move twentieth in the club’s list of all-time appearance-makers.

Another familiar face to Pools fans returning to the club is forward Rhys Oates.

Originally with Barnsley, between 2015 and 2018 Oates made 109 appearances for Pools and was admired for his hard work, determination, and versatility to play in many positions as an attacker.

In 2018, he went on to sign for League Two side Morecambe and after 44 appearances over two seasons, he has now returned to The Vic.

Midfielder Josh Macdonald has switched from league rivals FC Halifax Town.

The 25-year-old made 83 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit since joining in the summer of 2015 from then-Northern League side Marske United.

A former Middlesbrough trainee, he grew into his first season at the Shay and was a key attacking outlet by the end of it.

He is a right-winger with a fantastic ability to beat his man.

Initially he showed a tremendous commitment to the club as he had to travel by train to training sessions, but the youngster has since passed his driving test.

He signed a new one-year deal but missed a good deal of the 2018/19 season following an operation on his cruciate.