Dave Challinor speaks of pride following highest finish of his managerial career with Hartlepool United

Pools ended the regular National League season in fourth position with 76 points from 42 matches – the club’s highest league finish since 2007.

Challinor’s side won over half of their league matches during the campaign to secure a play-off place. They are currently preparing to host Bromley in a play-off eliminator match at Victoria Park this Sunday (2:30pm kick-off).

Regardless of what happens in the play-offs, the Hartlepool boss admitted he’s proud of what he and his players have accomplished so far this season.

Previously, Challinor secured 7th and 5th placed play-off finishes with his previous club AFC Fylde and is hoping it will be third time lucky with Pools.

“Of course you look back on the season with pride,” he told The Mail. “At the start of the season, we were going into the unknown a little bit with a fresh squad so to finish where we have has been a great effort from everyone involved.

"But the reality is, we’re all a little bit greedy and ultimately finishing fourth, it means nothing. There are six teams still fighting for promotion and we want to make sure we finish top of the six who are remaining.

"We want to get into the next stage of the play-offs which is going to be a big ask but it’s one that we’re more than capable of doing.”

The winners of Sunday’s match at Victoria Park will then travel to face Stockport County at Edgeley Park on Sunday, June 13 (12pm kick-off).

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