REVEALED! Are Hartlepool United tipped to win the National League?

After a season that was mainly spent battling relegation, are the bookies tipping Pools to improve in 2018/19?

By The Newsroom

Published 17th May 2018, 10:12 BST

Updated 26th May 2018, 15:55 BST

Sky Bet have released their odds ahead of the 2018/19 National League season - and Pools are not among the favourites.

Matthew Bates' side are 20/1 to lift the trophy and seal promotion back to the Football League next season, suggesting that the bookies expect Hartlepool to consolidate in mid-table once again.

The odds are likely no surprise, with the make-up of Pools' squad still uncertain ahead of the new campaign with plenty of transfer activity expected at Victoria Park over the summer months.

Recently-relegated Chesterfield are favourites at 6/1 with Leyton Orient (8/1) and Salford City (10/1) also tipped to succeed.

Maidenhead and Barrow (both 50/1) are the longest odds available with the bookies expecting the duo to struggle in 2018/19.