ANTONY Sweeney will be taking on the captain's role at Hartlepool United next season.

The club's longest-serving player has led the team out in four pre-season friendlies so far and that is turning into a longer-term arrangement.

Sweeney won't play at Billingham Town tonight, but, despite both Peter Hartley and Sam Collins - who both captained the side last season - being part of the first team, he will lead the team out at Rochdale a week on Saturday and beyond.

"I purposely feel that I want someone with the heart and soul of the club - I think Tony is the heart and soul of the club as we stand at the moment,'' said manager Colin Cooper.

"He's from the town, loves the town and is chomping at the bit to play every week after the season he had last time.

"So I see him as a natural. He's been here a long time. You have people who are genuine leaders on the field and in the dressing room - I think Tony counteracts the whole thing, he knows the club inside out and has the respect of the dressing room so I don't think you can ask any more.''

Tonight's team at Bedford Terrace (kick-off 7pm) will not include players who started Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough.

"Those lads who weren't involved on Saturday will play at Billingham,'' said Cooper, who is confident of adding to his squad in the coming days. "I want those boys to understand that nothing is sorted yet. So at Billingham, impress and they play against Preston on Friday. There's nothing nailed on yet as far as I'm concerned.

"But everyone is still fighting for a spot and how hard do they want to be in the starting XI against Rochdale? As long as they will give it as much as they have got, then hopefully we can give them something else to help them along.''

Pools yesterday announced their squad numbers for the coming season, with Jack Baldwin moving from 18 to six.

Squad numbers: 1 Scott Flinders; 2 Neil Austin; 5 Sam Collins; 6 Jack Baldwin; 7 Jonathan Franks; 8 Simon Walton; 10 James Poole; 11 Andy Monkhouse; 13 Andy Rafferty; 14 Jack Compton; 15 Antony Sweeney; 16 Josh Rowbotham; 17 Greg Rutherford; 19 Jordan Richards; 20 Dan Jones; 22 Darren Holden; 28 Lewis Hawkins; 29 Peter Hartley; 33 Luke James; 37 Zak Boagey; 38 Bradley Walker; 39 Steve Howard.