Mark Tinkler

Mark Tinkler was one of the most promising young players of his generation. A former captain of England Schools, Tinks was a member of the Leeds United side that beat Manchester United in the final of the 1993 FA Youth Cup. He went on to make over twenty appearances for the Leeds first team, although a change of manager while he was recovering from a broken leg limited his chances.

Tinkler eventually left Leeds to forge a successful career in the lower divisions with York City and Southend United, before Chris Turner brought him to Pools in November 2000. Tinks went on to be a key player in Pools` midfield, turning in a series of commanding performances and chipping in with some important goals, including a hat-trick in a league game against Wrexham. He was named as the supporters` Away Player of the Year for 2001/02 and, a year later, was included in the PFA Team of the Season as Pools finished runners-up in Division Three.

Tinkler remained an important member of the squad for the next few seasons, though his first team opportunities lessened with each passing year. He was released in the summer of 2007 having played well over 200 games for the club.