Hartlepool United must continue building momentum after initial transfer breakthrough

It has been a promising start to the summer for Lee Clark and Chris Beech as they work together to strengthen a depleted Hartlepool United squad ahead of the new National League season.

Last season can only be described as underwhelming as Pools missed out on the play-off places and suffered embarrassing exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy despite receiving favourable draws in both competitions. More often than not, a lack of consistency hampered any attempts to build momentum throughout the campaign - and that is exactly what Pools must avoid as they navigate their way through the remainder of the summer months.

Since 13 players departed the club as their contracts or loan agreements came to a close, there has been an understandable demand for news on possible or confirmed incomings. Poolies were rewarded for their patience when one of the heroes of Ronnie Moore’s ‘Great Escape’, Jordan Hugill, agreed to a permanent stint at Victoria Park and reunited with his former Rotherham United manager Clark. The signing of Morecambe’s versatile forward Jack Nolan is something of a coup with the 25-year-old said to have snubbed EFL and National League interest and he will hope to replicate the 19 league goals he scored as the Shrimpers were unable to avoid relegation from non-league football’s top flight.

Spennymoor Town’s highly-rated winger Corey McKeown feels like a player ready to step into the National League after his impressive performances saw him become a key figure within the Brewery Field set-up and Brooklyn Ilunga’s versatility means the former Bromley man could well become a shrewd additions. Work on further incomings is ongoing and there is a clear need to add another striker and a goalkeeper to Clark’s ranks in the not-too-distant future with both positions requiring further strengthening.

Breakthrough

Reports have suggested there is an interest in FC Halifax Town’s Will Harris - although the fact the former Sunderland and Gateshead striker has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career means Pools would have to fight off serious interest from elsewhere to secure another major boost to their attacking ranks. A solid, commanding and dependable goalkeeper is required as no side can succeed in the National League without a number one that possesses those qualities in abundance. Such a stopper can be hard to come by and any would be in high demand - but that remains arguably the most important new addition Pools could make this summer.

There is a lot of hard work being put in behind the scenes at The Vic and there is likely to be further changes before Clark’s squad return for pre-season training later this month. What can not be questioned is that Pools have built up some momentum over the last fortnight as they finally make a breakthrough in the transfer market - and that momentum must be maintained as they prepare to step up their preparations for the new campaign and give their new head coach and his new look squad the best possible opportunity to hit the ground running come August.

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