Hartlepool United's head of recruitment Chris Beech discusses Pools' promotion prospects

According to the bookmakers, Pools are currently rated as 5/1 second favourites to be crowned National League champions next term, with only rivals Carlisle United (5/2) better fancied at this stage.

Of course, Pools still have plenty of work to do before the new campaign kicks off in August having released 13 players at the end of last season.

Yet the early signs have been extremely encouraging and Pools have made a strong start to their summer transfer business under new owner Landon Smith.