SOME of the greatest players in a town's football club's history are to be honoured on a new housing development.

Fans of Hartlepool United are being urged to help shape the lasting tribute to some of the club's most popular players by voting for their favourite from a shortlist of 20.

Pools supporters have just under two weeks to choose their favourite, before the top six are selected and then used to name streets on the estate in the Dyke House area.

Warnock Way, Pythian Pass, Allon Avenue and Goad Gardens could become permanent fixtures in the initiative, designed to commemorate the club's centenary season.

Hartlepool Borough Council is running the poll in partnership with Hartlepool United FC and George Wimpey North Yorkshire, which is building almost 180 homes on a site that is being cleared of older terrace properties.

Mayor Stuart Drummond, who is a big Hartlepool fan, said: "I am sure that everyone will have their own views on the best players to have turned out for Pools over the years, but we have tried to come up with a shortlist that recognises significant achievement by players.

"For example, it features players such as Watty Moore, who holds the record for appearances, at 472, Kenny Johnson, who netted 106 times for the club, and Joe Allon, whose 35 goals in 1990-1 were the most ever scored by a Hartlepool player in a single season.

"Given that the club is preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday, there couldn't be a better time to pay tribute to some of the players who have pulled on the blue and white shirt."

Hartlepool United FC chief executive Russ Green said: "This is yet another unique venture involving the town of Hartlepool and its football club.

"The shortlist makes interesting reading and it's going to be hard to narrow it down to the number we need - I'm just glad Dimi didn't make it, because Konstantopoulos Crescent is a bit of a mouthful."

The full shortlist is: Joe Allon, Micky Barron, Tom Burlison, Joshie Fletcher, Amby Fogarty, Alan Goad, Leo Harding, Brian Honour, Ritchie Humphreys, Kenny Johnson, George Luke, John McGovern, Tommy McGuigan, Tommy Miller, Watty Moore, Bob Newton, Ernie Phythian, Ken Simpkins, Neil Warnock and Johnny Wigham.

People can vote online by logging onto www.hartlepool.gov.uk and following the link on the home page to the voting page.

People can can only cast one vote and the poll will open today and continue until Friday, October 19.

Alternatively, people can send their nominations in writing to Mayor Stuart Drummond, Civic Centre, Hartlepool TS24 8AY.