Hartlepool United FC vs Morecambe preview - Paynter to skipper Pools

Billy Paynter will skipper a new-look Hartlepool line-up when Morecambe visit Victoria Park.

Pools clawed back a 10-point gap to avoid relegation with a game to spare last season and that prompted wholesale changes in personnel.

Ronnie Moore made 10 new signings and the majority will be involved against the Shrimps. Experienced striker Paynter is likely to partner fellow new boy Rakish Bingham in attack, while Michael Woods is fit to return to midfield after breaking his ankle in February.

Harry Worley, Carl Magnay and Jake Carroll are expected to feature in a much-changed defence, while Trevor Carson will hope to overcome a bruised toe to pip Adam Bartlett to the goalkeeper's jersey. Full-back Jordan Richards is out with a back injury.

Morecambe goalkeeper Barry Roche is in line to make his first appearance since October.

The Shrimps stopper suffered a serious hip injury early on last term and the Sky Bet League Two club used a succession of loanees to fill the void, but Roche is now back at full fitness and ready to resume his spot between the sticks.

He will be backed up by Tony Thompson, one of a raft of new signings Jim Bentley has brought to the club over the summer.

Peter Murphy will be Morecambe's new captain and Bentley also strengthened his attacking department this week with the acquisitions of Shaun Miller and Jack Ryan.