HARTLEPOOL United fans have lived up to their fancy dress reputations by turning up for their last away game of the season wearing Thunderbirds costumes.

Images of the Poolie Thunderbirds on their way to Plymouth have taken social media by storm, they were earlier trending worldwide on Twitter, with Sky Sports presenter and Pools fan Jeff Stelling getting in on the act.

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He tweeted: "No need for International Rescue this year but great to see #PoolieThunderbirds out in force. Puts a smile on footballs face. Brilliant."

Pools manager Colin Cooper said: “The fans were amazing – I’ve been looking forward to it since I took over to be honest!"

In recent years, the fans have grabbed attention for their costumes for the final away game. 

Last year the fans went to the capital dressed as penguins.

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And the year before an image of scores of Hartlepool smurfs, taken by Northern Echo sports editor Nick Loughlin,  on the tube in London went around the world. Twelve months previous they were kitted out as Ooomap Loompahs, the year earlier Where's Wally and the season before they turned out as Morris Dancers. 

After seeing off Morecambe last weekend and no longer needing victory today to safeguard their League Two status, they are no longer in need of International Rescue.

Cooper said: “Having seen from afar the Smurfs and penguins… when I heard International Rescue, I was really laughing. It made me giggle. Even John Sheridan (Plymouth boss) said they were amazing.

"To come all this way, I think it’s a 775 mile round-trip, and enjoy themselves, I hope they are happy. I was delighted with the way they supported us and I hope they are happy with the way we played as well.

“It was trending on Twitter this morning and it was a sight to behold. I’m so pleased with what has gone on and they can go home happy with a positive result.’’

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