Young goalkeeper Jake Kean came through the youth ranks at Derby County before making the switch to Blackburn. He was making steady progress at Ewood Park, and had featured for the reserve team as well as the juniors, when Pools coach Mick Wadsworth made the move to bring him to the Vic on loan in September 2010. Originally signed as cover for Scott Flinders while reserve goalkeeper Andy Rafferty was sidelined with a hand injury, Kean was given an unexpected chance when Flinders damaged ligaments in his thumb. He made his first team debut with a solid display in a goalless draw at Brentford.