Promotion is new Hartlepool United manager Craig Harrison's aim

Craig Harrison has arrived at Hartlepool United and he has one thing on his mind: Promotion
Craig Harrison surveys his new surroundingsCraig Harrison surveys his new surroundings
Craig Harrison surveys his new surroundings

The 39-year-old was yesterday appointed as the successor to Dave Jones and was today at the Northern Gas & Power Stadium to face the media.

He has taken over a club relegated from the Football League and his aim is to bounce straight back.

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"The aim has to be promotion – we have to go for it," said Harrison.

"We want to be back up the league as soon as possible, we can’t hide away from it.

"The club was unfortunate to go down, but the players at the club are more than good enough to make a go of it and we aim to get back as soon as we can.

"I wouldn’t’ come here, wouldn’t accept the challenge if I didn’t believe it.

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"The players here, the staff here, the facilities the training ground are all geared for success and we want to make a go of it."

Harrison has been one of football's success stories - the Gateshead-born boss has won SIX Welsh Premier League titles in a row with The New Saints.

He had been preparing TNS for the Champions League when Pools came knocking on his door.

But now all his focus, and efforts, are now concentrated on Pools. And effort and enthusiasm are not going to be in short supply at the Vic.

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"I'll make sure we will give it our all, that’s what fans want – the bare minimum and that’s what we bring to the club," said the former Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace defender, who preaches attacking football.

"We need the support from the fans here, them getting behind us and what we want to do.

"We will give everything we have got and do our all – staff, players – to win games.

“I want to win in a certain style too, attacking football. When we get it right the people will enjoy it and want to come and watch us.

"We will prepare our best, try to win games along the way and we will give it our all.

"Off the field isn’t my worry, my worry is players, staff, getting results. The rest looks after itself."