Austin became a fans favourite with an outstanding series of displays in the Pools defence after signing on a free transfer from arch-rivals Darlington last summer.

The 27-year-old solved the old problem position of right-back while he also performed well when Chris Turner asked him to fill in down the left-hand side of defence.

The supporters' Player of the Year and SportMail's top performer barely put a foot wrong in his debut season but clearly is not resting on his laurels.

"I was pleased with the season I had last year but there is still room for improvement," said the Yorkshireman.

"I want to progress and have an even better season this time around.

"I got injured in the last pre-season fixture and then missed the first 10 matches, but once I got in and got settled, I felt I was getting more confidence with each game."

Austin is looking forward to his second pre-season campaign at Pools and joins the rest of the squad on the traditional jaunt to the Netherlands next week.

Turner's team tackle new opposition on Tuesday when they play Almere City before meeting old foes FC Den Bosch on Thursday.

FULL story in Friday's Mail