Lee Clark 'extremely excited' ahead of Hartlepool United's National League opener against Barrow

Pools are gearing up to begin the 2026/27 campaign with the visit of a Bluebirds side who were relegated back to the fifth tier having finished bottom of League Two last term.

Like Pools, the Cumbrian outfit have undergone a summer of change following a torrid campaign last season.

Having used a remarkable five different managers last term, Barrow appointed Adam Murray, who led Kidderminster Harriers to promotion via the National League North play-offs at the end of the 2025/26 season, as the club's new boss in May.