2003–04 Hartlepool United F.C. season

The 2003–04 season was Hartlepool United's 95th year in existence and their first season in Football League Second Division since 1993–94. Along with competing in the Football League Second Division, the club also participated in the FA Cup, Football League Cup and Football League Trophy. The season covered the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

Background and pre-season
Having participated in the Third Division since 1993–94, the 2003–04 season saw Hartlepool competing back in the third tier once again having earned promotion in the previous season. Hartlepool had started the 2002–03 campaign in fine form, but suffered the departure of manager Chris Turner to Sheffield Wednesday in early November 2002. Turner had turned around the club's fortunes since his appointment in February 1999. After ensuring survival for Hartlepool in the Third Division in his first season, Turner oversaw three consecutive play-off finishes. Turner's successor was Mike Newell who inherited a side four points clear at the top of the league. Hartlepool managed to build a 12 point lead at the top of the division by early 2003 ahead of Rushden & Diamonds. Nevertheless, Hartlepool would suffer a poor run of form in the Spring, eventually missing out on the title on the final day of the season. Despite winning promotion in second place, Newell's contract was not renewed.

In June 2003, former Ross County manager Neale Cooper was appointed as Newell's successor in a surprise decision. Early in his tenure, Cooper lost key defender Graeme Lee on a free transfer. Lee was replaced by Bury's Michael Nelson.