Neale Cooper: 'Players can leave'

Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper has informed his squad that they are free to leave the club.

Pool are currently languishing around the League One relegation zone following last night's 5-0 defeat to Preston North End.

Speaking after the match, Cooper warned his players that they must improve their performances, or they run the risk of being sold.

"If anyone wants to leave this club, they can see me and walk out the door tomorrow," Cooper told BBC Tees. "If they want to stay, they'd better start performing and showing bottle."

Cooper took charge at Victoria Park in 2011.