Volunteers pitch in at Hartlepool United's ground ahead of fans' big return

Hartlepool United fan Adam Davison gives Victoria Park a lick of paint ahead of Saturday's game. Picture by FRANK REID

Supporters are invited to join in at Victoria Park this week to make sure the stadium is all set for Saturday’s National League clash against Weymouth.

It will be the first match that home fans have been able to attend in more than a year with 1,700 tickets made available under Covid-19 guidelines and only a handful left.

The club’s official ground staff team has been hard at work behind the scenes throughout the pandemic.

Hartlepool United Supporters Trust recently put out an appeal on Twitter for fans to get involved beforehand and had a great response.

Volunteers have been helping with ground maintenance including cleaning the seating, painting and general tidying.

A club spokesman said: “The volunteers have been fantastic. We can’t thank them enough.

"Many people have wanted to come down to help and it’s greatly appreciated. They know how much the club means to the community.

Hartlepool United fans will return to Victoria Park after an absence of more than a year this weekend.

"Meanwhile our ground staff, Dave Brown, Karl Hammond and their team volunteers, have been committed throughout and for many years to make sure the stadium is in tip top condition.”

'I can't wait' - Hartlepool United fans eager to return for first match in over ...

Pools fan Adam Davison 22, yesterday completed his 11th day of volunteering at the ground.

He has done jobs including sweeping up, marking seating in line with social distancing measures and painting.

Adam, from the town centre area, who has supported the club for 16 years, said: “My mate tagged me in a tweet advertising that Pools were in need of volunteers.

"I said I would be more than happy to get involved in any way I could. I’m a fan and just want to help the club.”

He is hoping to be at Saturday’s game and can’t wait to be back cheering on the lads.

“I’m very excited,” said Adam. “It’s been a long time coming, over a year since we have been in here as fans.

"Also it’s such a pivotal part of the season. It will be great to be back.”

While Pools have already qualified for the play-offs, victory against Weymouth could secure a potentially smoother passage to the June 20 final.

Any fans who want to help out at the ground this week between 10am-4pm is asked to email [email protected]

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.