Hartlepool release seven

Former Manchester United youngster Ritchie Jones is among seven players who have been released by Hartlepool.

The 23-year-old moved to Victoria Park in 2008 but failed to cement a regular first-team place and will join Ben Clark, Jonny Rowell, Julian Cherel, Mark Cook, Alan Power and Matty Tymon in looking for a new club.

Meanwhile, Pools have opted take up the option on the contracts of James Brown, Sam Collins, Billy Greulich, Ritchie Humphreys and Antony Sweeney.

Youngsters Billy Blackford, Paul Johnson, Callum Martin and Dylan Purvis have all been offered professional contracts.

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