The Pools players go back to work on Friday July 4 with just over a week of hard graft ahead of them until the pre-season tour of Scotland gets underway.



Assistant boss Butterworth revealed the squad were handed a fitness programme over the summer months to keep them in shape, with running, weights and aerobics all playing their part in keeping the players trim.

And the Pools number two is confident the players will have adhered to their responsibilities and resisted the temptation to tuck into the Sangria during the two months away from the training pitch.

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Butterworth said: "To be fair they were professional last year and in good shape which makes the four-and-a-half weeks that much easier because we can start from a much higher level.

"I don't envisage it being any different this year.

"We work with these guys all year, so we can see with the naked eye whether anyone is out of shape and the testing will confirm that.

"There is no reason for them to come back out of shape. You can't do that nowadays because the rewards are so high.

"I am sure the lads are looking forward to coming back. They have had the break and it is now time to get back to work."

Pools fitness coach Dan Lewis has got a programme in place for the players when they return to training, which will not be confined to the traditional cross-country running.

Butterworth said it was vital that the players were in shape for the opening game of the League One campaign against Colchester on August 9, as endurance could prove the difference in Pools' hopes of finishing in the promotion mix.

"We have got some decent pre-season games and it is all about getting match-fit for Colchester," he said.

"It is a mixture of things in the first few days under Dan, but we will be introducing balls pretty early on because you can get fit with a football as well as doing aerobic work.

"The game is getting quicker and players are getting stronger so you have to adapt if you are not going to get left behind.

"That can often be the difference between being a Championship or League One player.

"You have to have technical ability and a good attitude but the fitter you are, the longer you can show your skills and win the ball back."

Meanwhile, Pools have paid tribute to former goalkeeper Tim Carter.
The Sunderland academy coach, who made 25 appearances for Pools, died last week.

A statement on the club website said: "Hartlepool United FC would like to express its sincere condolences at the news of former player Tim Carter's tragic death.

"The thoughts and sympathies of everybody at Hartlepool United are with the Carter family at this very sad time."

LEAGUE Two side Shrewsbury Town have completed the signing of former Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt, for a fee of £170,000
Holt was rumoured to be on Pools' radar earlier in the summer.

POOLS' first round Carling Cup clash with Scunthorpe is due to take place on Tuesday August 12 (kick-off 7.45pm).