The 2002-03 campaign delivered a triumphant and long-awaited promotion for Hartlepool United as The Monkey Hangers surged to a 2nd-place finish in the Third Division, securing automatic promotion to the third tier after three successive play-off heartbreaks. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Eifion Williams, whose 15 league goals proved decisive in a season built on a record-low nine league losses and a strong foundation laid by manager Chris Turner, with Mike Newell overseeing the final success. It was a historic year that ended a decade in the basement division and remains a defining, successful chapter in the club's modern history.