HARTLEPOOL UNITED are back in pre-season training – but without two of last season’s loanees.

Both Adam Jackson and Luke James spent time at Victoria Park on loan last season, from Middlesbrough and Peterborough respectively.

And while James won’t be returning permanently after talks between Pools and Posh faltered, the chances of Jackson heading back are receding.

Under contract at Boro for another 12 months, the centre-half is valued at around £100,000 by his club.

Boss Craig Hignett said: “Adam is always a possibility, we are trying to sort something out and if it happens or not, I don’t know. Jacko did well last season for us.’’

Of James, he added: “Luke is someone we looked at. He’s a great kid and we were keen, talked to Peterborough and a deal couldn’t be reached.’’

Instead of James, Pools have signed Lewis Alessandra from Rochdale, while Hignett is still hoping to sign another centre-half.

Right-back Andre Bennett, released by Boro, is training with Pools as well as Guisborough centre-half Andrew May.

Scott Harrison, not offered a new deal by Hignett at the end of last season, is doing rehabilitation work on a broken toe, but will be given the chance to earn a fresh contract in training.

Hignett said: “By the time we get back from Tenerife, Scotty should be ready to join in.

“He’s a great lad, I know that. He lost his way a little bit last season and I won’t shut the door on him.

“The season before last he was fantastic.’’

Pools head to Tenerife for seven days on Sunday week.

Hignett is satisfied how the first two days at Maiden Castle have gone and said: “There’s a lot of planning gone into what we are doing for the next six weeks.

“Pre-season is key – it’s vital for everyone. It’s all done for a reason, we aren’t just doing it to make the players sick and suffer.

“There’s a method behind it and we are bedding principles down as we do it. By the time the season comes about everyone will know their jobs, and what we expect.

“We don’t want to kill them and make them leggy for the season, so there’s a balancing act and we monitor their workloads.

“We have GPS monitors to keep their work recorded – and work out the lazy ones!’’

Hignett has also signed Nicky Deverdics, Toto Nsalia and Padraig Amond and added: “We have brought some new players in and it can take time to bed in, but they will be fine. When they come back from Tenerife everyone will know each other inside out. It’s a big week for building team spirit.

“I’m really pleased how they have come back and some look a lot leaner than when they left which is good.

“They’ve made an effort to get themselves fit. They all had tailored programmes for summer and you know who has stuck to it.’’

Pools have extended the early bird season ticket offer until 4pm on Monday and the ticket office is open until 6pm today.