Hartlepool United have already enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market as Lee Clark prepares for his first season in charge at Victoria Park.

Lee Clark has issued a warning to any potential additions to his Hartlepool United squad by insisting they must match the calibre of the ‘high quality players’ that have already joined the club this summer.

The former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder has enjoyed a fruitful pre-season as his new look squad have claimed wins in all four of their friendly fixtures ahead of his first season in charge at Victoria Park. From the moment Pools confirmed 13 players were to depart in the week prior to Clark’s appointment, there has been an impressive drive for new signings as the likes of FC Halifax Town striker Will Harris, former Harrogate Town defender Liam Gibson and Morecambe star Jack Nolan have all put pen-to-paper at The Vic.

Terry Bondo was one of several summer signings to feature in Hartlepool United's pre-season friendly win at Hebburn Town (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

placeholder image — Terry Bondo was one of several summer signings to feature in Hartlepool United's pre-season friendly win at Hebburn Town (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

Clark handed starts to five of his summer additions in Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly against Hebburn Town and also took the opportunity to assess two trialists, a goalkeeper and a left-back, during the victory against the National League North newcomers. Securing the services of a new goalkeeper remains a priority and the new Pools head coach has revealed the hard work is ongoing to further strengthen his squad - but warned he will not be rushed into any new additions without careful consideration.

Speaking after the win at the Trustmark Group Stadium: “We are working really hard to strengthen the squad. We aren’t just going to do it because those positions are available. If and when the right players are ready, we can make a move and we will find out.”

He continued: “It’s fine, it’s not a problem, we know where we need to strengthen the group and we will do that. Our squad will be sorted by the time Barrow arrives so we are working diligently, extremely hard. Myself, Clayts, Lids, Chris Maxwell, Chris Beech, we are working continuously to make sure we get the right people in. I could have had the squad fully loaded up by now but, as you’ve seen, we have high quality players and they need to be involved in that type of group.”

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