HARTLEPOOL United's squad get together in full this morning for the first time since the Millennium Stadium defeat in May.

While Pool returned for training last week, new boss Martin Scott gave a group of players an extra seven days rest.

The likes of Ritchie Humpreys, Micky Nelson, Tony Sweeney and Adam Boyd, all first-team regulars last season, start training today, before heading off to Holland on tour next week.

And, with a new management team in place, after Scott appointed Steve Agnew as his right-hand man, the new boss can't wait to get to work.

"These lads played an awful lot of football last season, in excess of 60 games, so they deserve a few days rest,'' he said.

"It will be nice to get them all back together and get back to work.

"Some of the lads were back last week and I was really pleased with their response. They've been really committed.''

* Bobby Patterson, who was Pool's technical development manager - a role which saw him heavily involved with the youth team and centre of excellence - has moved to Gillingham after being appointed director of youth under ex-Pool boss Neale Cooper.

* Pool's pre-season friendly with Hearts, scheduled for July 19 at Victoria Park, has been cancelled at the request of new Jambos' boss George Burley. Their first game is in Holland on Wednesday, against Top Oss.

Read more about Hartlepool here.