Neil Aspin

This vastly experienced defender was a regular in the centre of defence for Darlington in the first half of last season but after a couple of injuries he lost his regular first team place around Christmas and could not regain it. His contract was surprisingly terminated in January and he signed for local rivals Hartlepool where he strengthened a squad already pushing for a promotion place. He made his first appearances as substitute and later gave some fine performances as a stand-in right back before dropping out of the reckoning in the closing weeks of the season. Dominant in the air and strong in the tackle he regularly joined the attack at corners and set pieces but failed to register a goal. He was released by Pool in the summer.