'The help that they give has been amazing' – Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor pays tribute to continued support despite no National League football

Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor applauds the fans at the end of the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Eastleigh at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Tuesday 7th January 2020. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

Pools haven’t played a competitive match since March 14 and still haven’t been given any clarity over when they will next be able to take to the field.

The 2019-20 National League season is set to finally conclude this month with play-off matches starting next week.

In the meantime, Hartlepool supporters have been working hard to help the club through various means.

Chairman Raj Singh is hoping to get fans more involved at the club with the Supporter’s Trust holding investment talks.

The Pools budget booster set-up by fans has also raised over £20,000 towards Challinor’s budget for next season.

On the various initiatives in place, the Hartlepool manager told The Mail: “There are lots of different plans with the supporters and it goes without saying that they’re a massive part of the football club and they’ll go above and beyond what is required to try and help the club and be part of it.

"Regardless of them actually holding shares or anything like that, it’s important that their opinions are heard and recognised which I know they are because there are discussions that have taken place about it.”

Pools playing budget during the 2018-19 campaign was believed to be around £900,000 which was then dashed to a reported £700,000 last season.

But as a result of the shutdown of football, Hartlepool will be operating with a significantly reduced budget for the 2020-21 campaign.

The club have eight players already tied down for the new season as Challinor prepares to be frugal in the transfer market as he hope to build on the positive start his side made to 2020.

"The supporters are a huge part in what we do and they’ve recognised that we want to build an identity as a team and a club which epitomises them as fans,” Challinor added.

"The help that they give has been amazing and is massively appreciated and we’re not the only ones because everyone will need help in these uncertain times but to have the backing that we do have is hugely necessary.”