Hartlepool United fans raise £10,000 towards playing budget after stunning response

A fan-led online fundraising drive to help bolster the club’s transfer kitty is aiming to raise a total of £30,000, with a third of that figure already now raised in less than a week since it was launched.

Pools fans smashed through the £10,000 barrier on Monday lunchtime, with 302 supporters so far dipping into their own pockets to help the club.

The aim of the new initiative is to help boost Pools’ budget through the coronavirus pandemic and into the 2020-21 season and help top up boss Dave Challinor’s playing budget for next season.

Several fans have donated three-figure sums to the gofundme page with fans of all ages making a contribution.

Pools fan Gary White has helped set it up and there are plenty of incentives from the club to get fans involved including training ground experiences, matchday hospitality and much more.

Details of all the incentives can be seen on the gofundme page.

A Pools statement read: “The club has been inundated with requests as to how Pools fans can assist with the current challenges we face and now we are humbled again by the launch of a fundraiser designed to boost Dave Challinor's playing budget next season.”

The club has confirmed that all funds will be directed towards the playing budget for next season.

If you would like to make a contribution visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pools-budget-booster