Hartlepool United launch new 'Match Day Lottery' fundraising scheme and provide update on season ticket situation

Pools, like all clubs in the EFL and National League, have seen their income streams hit hard as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with no matchday income.

All football has been suspended indefinitely, with the National League still weighing up their options in terms of finishing the 2019-20 campaign when safe to do so.

Until then clubs are having to be creative in their efforts to make money and Pools have launched a new ‘Match Day Lottery’ ticket, while also confirming there are no plans to put season tickets on sale for next year just yet given the current uncertainty.

A club statement read: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from people and the enquiries from people asking how they can help out during this difficult time.

“We can’t legitimately put season tickets on sale until we know when next season will start so we have been looking for ways Pools fans can help whilst the club navigates its way through this current challenge.”

In response the club has launched a “Match Day Lottery” to be drawn on April 11.

The statement added: “Entry is £5 and your ticket number will be the order number from our online site, so multiple orders mean multiple entries and a better chance of winning your share of the pot.

“We will launch some other ways you can help but in the meantime ask you to spread the word and buy tickets.”

Fans can buy tickets for the ‘Match Day Lottery’ by clicking this link.

Pools added: “Average winnings for our Match Day Lottery are over £300 and we would remind you that you have to be over 16 to enter and the lottery is run under our licence granted by Hartlepool Borough Council.”

Winners will be announced and notified after the draw on April 11.

Pools last week saw their 2019-20 season suspended indefinitely – with the National League having opted to extend their initial hiatus.

All of Pools’ fixtures up to April 3 were already postponed, but the league confirmed on Tuesday - ahead of the Premier League and EFL reaching the same outcome - that the season will be suspended ‘indefinitely’ as the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to affect life in the UK.

The National League also reiterated their desire to consult with clubs over the ultimate fate of the season – and are obtaining specialist legal advice ahead of their big decision.

Dave Challinor and his Pools squad are having to work individually at home with players working on their fitness and sharing their stats and performance with club staff remotely.

Football was initially suspended until April 30 but that date has now been extended indefinitely while the authorities decide on the next and best course of action.

All leagues below National League North and South have already had their seasons declared null and void.