'They have to get stronger' – Dimi Konstantopoulos' message to Hartlepool United following promotion to the Football League

Hartlepool United legend Dimi Konstantopoulos believes the club have a lot of hard work to do in preparation for their Football League return on August 7.
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The Greek goalkeeper, who experienced a play-off final, a relegation and a promotion in his three seasons at the club, watched Pools’ dramatic promotion final victory over Torquay United last month.

“I watched the play-off final and I was really excited to see what they could do,” he said.“I was buzzing they got promoted and they deserve to be in the EFL because it wasn’t an easy task in the National League.

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“The National League has a lot of clubs trying to get back and a lot of them have been in the EFL before.”

Ritchie Humphreys and Dimi Konstantopoulos of Hartlepool United celebrate a win in their League One semi-final, second leg play-off match against the Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park May 17, 2005 in Tranmere, England.  (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Ritchie Humphreys and Dimi Konstantopoulos of Hartlepool United celebrate a win in their League One semi-final, second leg play-off match against the Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park May 17, 2005 in Tranmere, England.  (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Ritchie Humphreys and Dimi Konstantopoulos of Hartlepool United celebrate a win in their League One semi-final, second leg play-off match against the Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park May 17, 2005 in Tranmere, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
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Konstantopoulos briefly worked with Challinor and a number of Pools’ promotion squad when he rejoined the club on a non-contract basis during the 2019-20 season.

Now at Northern League Division One side Thornaby, the 42-year-old stopper is hopeful his former club can continue to build on their success from the previous campaign.

“Now they have to get stronger, bring in new players and maintain at the level they are going into,” he added. “The downside of the play-off is that they are left behind with signing players and some they may have wanted to bring in will have gone to other clubs.

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“The manager has a difficult task but I am sure they will work hard to get the right players in before the season starts.

“Hopefully have a good season back in League Two because they worked so hard to get there.”

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