Hartlepool United skipper Ryan Donaldson on League Two fixture release with matches against Carlisle United, Bradford City, Mansfield Town and Scunthorpe United highlighted

Hartlepool United’s 2021-22 League Two season has finally started to take shape.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Pools’ campaign will start at home to Crawley Town on August 7 and end against Colchester United on May 7 at Victoria Park. And for Pools club captain Ryan Donaldson, things have quickly started to become quite real.

“It's a strange part of the year where teams are coming back for pre-season but we just feel like we're still going," he told The Mail. “It's a quick turnaround for everyone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It becomes very real when you see the fixture list coming out and there are games to look forward to already.”

Nicky Featherstone and Ryan Donaldson of Hartlepool United lift the Vanarama National League Trophy during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Hartlepool United and Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)Nicky Featherstone and Ryan Donaldson of Hartlepool United lift the Vanarama National League Trophy during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Hartlepool United and Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Nicky Featherstone and Ryan Donaldson of Hartlepool United lift the Vanarama National League Trophy during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Hartlepool United and Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

League Two is more northern based and the amount of overnights we do in the National League is ridiculous and it's credit to the chairman because we do more than anyone and it costs a lot of money, this will help with that.

“There are so many games to look forward to, Carlisle is one, Bradford in there, Mansfield will have a go so there are some big clubs.”

Donaldson was also pleased to see matches at Victoria Park bookending Pools’ campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The first and last being at home is ideal and the last away game not being too far away down in Scunthorpe so I'm sure the fans will have something in store for that one,” he added.

"Carlisle is quite early as well and then the away game is at the star of January. You have to play everyone twice and it's silly but you just have a look at the Christmas schedule and there are some massive games to look forward to.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor