Hartlepool United face League Two Grimsby Town in their first home friendly of the summer on Saturday afternoon.

Lee Clark is excited by the prospect of watching his new look Hartlepool United squad walk out at Victoria Park for this first time when they face League Two club Grimsby Town in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.

Pools have enjoyed an impressive pre-season campaign by racking up wins against Northern League newcomers Seaton Carew, Northern Premier League side Redcar Athletic and National League North duo Spennymoor Town and Hebburn Town. However, their final two pre-season fixtures will bring a step up in class as Saturday’s home meeting with League Two club Grimsby Town is followed by another clash with EFL opposition when Fleetwood Town travel to Victoria Park seven days later.

placeholder image — Mark Fletcher | MI News & Sport

After a summer of major change within the Pools ranks, the home faithful will get a first opportunity to witness their new look side in action against Grimsby with the likes of Jack Nolan, Will Harris and Chris Popov all set to feature after they were added to Clark’s ranks over the last month.

The game will also offer Clark a first chance to experience a fixture at The Vic since his Huddersfield Town side battled their way to a goalless draw in a League One fixture against a Pools side containing the likes of Adam Boyd, Ritchie Humphreys and Peter Hartley just under 15 years ago. The new Pools head coach is relishing the opportunity to meet Poolies at their famous old home and is looking forward to seeing how his players fare against EFL opposition.

He told The Mail: “I am looking forward to it immensely. The excitement has been building, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the staff so far and to get back to your home, with the refurbished pitch, which is looking fantastic. Hopefully the lads can deliver against a tough opponent and this is what we wanted in these last two games. We wanted to be really tested in different aspects to make sure we are ready for 8th August. It will be a really good test both with and without the ball and something we have wanted to have. We are looking forward to those games.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United confirm 2026/27 ticket prices and introduce fan loyalty scheme