Dave Challinor backing Hartlepool United to win promotion back to the Football League

The 50-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the club's entire history, was at the helm the last time Pools won promotion from the National League in 2021.

Having been appointed Pools boss in 2019 following a hugely successful eight-year spell at AFC Fylde, Challinor led the club to a fourth placed finish and a place in the National League play-offs at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

After surviving a scare to get the better of Bromley in the eliminator, a second half strike from the impressive Rhys Oates helped Pools edge past Stockport County to set up a clash with Torquay United in the final at Bristol City's Ashton Gate.