Defender John Brackstone made his first team bow as a half-time substitute in a heavy defeat at Blackpool in 2003. His performance in that game earned him a short run in the side at left back but he would find his first team chances limited during his time at Pools with Hugh Robertson, Matty Robson and Ritchie Humphreys all being preferred in the left back slot. Having made just 21 league starts in four seasons, Brackstone was released in the summer of 2007.