Hartlepool United chiefs Raj Singh and Martin Jesper react to season ticket orders from supporters

Almost a fortnight ago, Pools announced its new season ticket plans for the upcoming campaign.

The inflated prices, limited availability of 1,000, no early bird option and concession changes were met with a mixed response from Poolies.

But that didn’t stop many fans applying for their 2020-21 season ticket at Victoria Park with the first batch already sold out.

As a result, a further 500 tickets have been made available to apply for on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Season tickets have been priced at £325 for adults, £225 for concessions, which will no longer include people aged 60 to 64, £95 for under-16s, £50 for under-12s and free for carers and under-5s and finance options are available – you can apply here: https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/apply-for-season-tickets/

Responding to the season ticket orders so far, chairman Raj Singh told the club website: “The response to this campaign has been incredible in the short time since its launch.

"We feel it is only right to allow more of our passionate supporters to demonstrate their loyalty to the club by releasing another tranche of tickets.”

Pools sold over 3,000 season tickets last season but the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and likely social distancing guidelines clubs will have to follow in order to allow supporters back into stadiums has seen the club adopt a different strategy in order to generate ticket revenue under difficult circumstances.

It is likely that stadium capacities will be significantly reduced when National League football is set to return on October 3.

Dave Challinor currently has 16 players signed up and contracted for the upcoming campaign and acting executive director Martin Jesper believes the fans’ continued commitment will allow for more investment.

Jesper added: “There is absolutely no doubt that this fantastic commitment from our fans will allow us to support Dave even more in strengthening the playing squad ahead of the coming season, adding to the excellent signings he has already made.”

Due to the current lack of clarity regarding supporters being allowed back into stadiums, Pools have pledged to provide an extra matchday ticket to every season ticket holder who is unable to attend a match due to any crowd number restrictions.

A total of 1,500 season tickets have now been made available at Victoria Park but that figure is unlikely to increase until the club gets more information on the number of fans who will be allowed in The Vic once non-league football resumes.

From Tuesday 11 August, the club will start processing all season ticket applications that have been received so far.

Supporters have been reminded to be patient during the season ticket application process as staff continue to work on a ‘flexi-furlough' basis.

Further updates regarding friendlies, kit and commercial plans are also set to be laid out in the coming weeks.

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