First Hartlepool United fan to get his hands on 2016/17 season ticket predicts promotion

Laurence Iley became the first Pools fan to get his hands on a new season card at Victoria Park on Friday morning.

The club says it has invested a state-of-the-art card-reading system for the start of the new campaign, meaning fans now need only one card for entry in to games rather than a Season Ticket book.

Laurence was particularly pleased to have the honour of being the first person to own one.

“I’m delighted, I really I am,” he beamed after popping in to the Ticket Office to secure his seat in the Cyril Knowles Stand for next term.

“It’s great progress for the Club to offer Season Ticket cards now – I’ve been a Season Ticket holder for the past five years and this will make it loads easier than having a book to carry with you.”

Laurence, who has lived in Hartlepool for the past 36 years and owns a café in the town, is now confident that boss Craig Hignett can put a winning side on the pitch for he and fellow fans to watch next season.

“I am hoping for promotion, full stop,” he told us.

“I don’t want any messing around with the play-offs either, I fancy us for straight promotion with Craig Hignett in charge – he did well last time and at the Boro so I think he’ll do a good job again.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what signings he brings in during the summer and I already can’t wait to get back to The Vic for the new season really.”

Pools made the move to freeze Season Ticket prices for 2016/17.

Adults can buy for £250 (£10.87 per game), while Students and Seniors prices are £150 (£6.52 per game), Under 19s £120 (£5.22 per game) and Under 16s fixed at £75 (£3.26 per game).

Fans can save money by buying within the Early Bird period which comes to an end on July 1, while current Season Ticket holders have until Friday June 17 to secure their existing seats.