Hartlepool United's playing budget to receive significant boost thanks to supporter's fundraiser and a classy gesture from chairman Raj Singh

In May, Hartlepool fan Gary White set up the ‘Pools Budget Booster’ Go Fund Me page to help Dave Challinor assemble a competitive squad going into the new season.

Over the past few months, around 500 supporters have donated to the page, raising in excess of £23,500, every penny of which will go towards the side's playing budget.

But that’s not all as Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh has now agreed to match the total amount donated by supporters by midnight on Sunday, 6 September.

Singh told the club website: “The generosity of our supporters during such extremely challenging times deserves to be recognised and I can assure all our supporters that every penny raised will increase Dave’s playing budget to support him in pulling together a squad with genuine promotion potential.

“In fact, I have been so impressed by the commitment of the fans that I will match 100% of the total funds raised by the supporters as an additional donation towards the playing budget when the scheme closes.”

Like many clubs, Pools have been hit significantly by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown of football.

As a result, their budget has been significantly reduced.

But that hasn’t stopped Challinor assembling a solid squad of 17 players signed up for the new season with a few more still expected to follow.

And with an estimated £50,000 boost to the side’s budget as a result of Singh’s commitment to match the money raised by fans, Challinor will be granted greater financial flexibility to secure his final few transfer targets.

The donation incentives have also been amended in order to adhere to coronavirus and social distancing guidelines.

New incentives for those who donate in excess of £50 include having the donors name included a specially commissioned club shirt that will be available from the club shop as well as an invitation to attend an open training day. Donations over £100 will receive the shirt as a gift.

And there’s still time to donate to the budget booster here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/pools-budget-booster

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