Hartlepool United fans set up 'Pools budget booster' to help fund the club through the coronaviurs pandemic in preparation for the 2020-21 campaign

The National League season is over with plenty of uncertainty over when non-league football will finally resume.

And with clubs facing a prolonged period without any matchday income, they risk being thrust into a precarious financial situation.

As a result, Pools fan Gary White set up a gofundme page to help boost Dave Challinor’s budget in preparation for next season. An initial target of £30,000 has been set with pledges surpassing £4,000 within the opening 24 hours with plenty of incentives to get fans involved.

A statement on the club’s official website 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.

“All funds will be directed towards the playing budget and we will regularly promote the achieved total via social media channels.

“These are unprecedented times, with unprecedented pressures on the club and we are, as ever blown away by your support.”

Pools fan Gary told the club website: “I think Pools fans will agree, we hadn’t experienced much positivity or optimism until Challinor came through the door.

“He not only has the backing of the players but the fans too and we want the full town to back him.

“Donate to the Pools Budget Booster and help him in the transfer market, so when we can finally pack the Vic, we have a team ready to take us back to the Football League.”And the Hartlepool manager has thanked fans once again.

“With the fanbase we have, our supporters can contribute massively to what we want to do,” Challinor said.

“We’re putting budgets in place and trying to tie down players so any help we can get towards that is hugely important.

“Supporters contributing, giving up time and money for the club to manage budgets and bring in players is brilliant. It’s not expected but it really helps and any amount is significant and appreciated.”