Hartlepool United are preparing for their first season under the management of former Newcastle United star Lee Clark.

Hartlepool United legend Michael Nelson has called on supporters to make the Prestige Group Stadium an ‘intimidating place’ for opposition to visit during Lee Clark’s first season in charge at the club.

Poolies have experienced some deeply disappointing moments in recent seasons after their side were relegated into the National League for the second time in six seasons during the 2022/23 campaign and they have been unable to secure a return to League Two over the last three seasons. The arrival of American businessman Landon Smith has given some hope of a more positive future after he brought an end to Raj Singh’s ownership by agreeing a takeover deal in December and plans are well underway for his first full season at the helm.

After confirming the departure of 13 players earlier this month, Pools announced the appointment of former Newcastle United and Sunderland star Clark as their new manager and he will now hope to piece together a positive summer ahead of his first season in charge. Nelson urged Pools supporters to play their part of recreating the famous atmopsheres of the past - but stressed that is only likely to happen if there are real signs of progress on the pitch during the new National League season.

He told The Mail: “When we were players, a long time ago, it was always an intimidating place and it obviously helps when you’re playing well and winning games. That always makes it more intimidating for opposition before they even come and experience the atmosphere in person. I think when Spike (Graeme Lee) was in charge, we got a little bit of that back and the North West corner with the banners they were putting up and the away following we had, the fans really got into it and that’s what needs to happen again. When it does get going, the Vic is an uncomfortable place to go and play - but that only comes with winning games. You can talk about creating a good atmosphere but if you aren’t winning games that won’t happen.”

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