With his injury problems behind him, Monkhouse will be hoping to stake his claim for the first team this season.
Eight successive victories during an eight game loan spell at Hartlepool early on in the 2006/07 season earned Monkhouse a ‘lucky omen’ tag at The Vic, and Danny Wilson decided to make the move permanent in January 2007 signing him from Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee. The tricky winger, who spent eight successful years with Rotherham United between 1998 and 2006, has established himself as a firm fan’s favourite with the Pools fans who have dubbed him ‘Monkmanaman’ for his playing likeness to former Liverpool favourite Steve McManaman. Monkhouse was named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2006/07 after helping his side win promotion to League One