Should Pools fans be hopeful or anxious?

Simon Grayson has now been Hartlepool United manager for around three weeks and should be getting used to life at Victoria Park.

- Robbie Stelling

Certainly, there are one or two positive signs and Pools look to have made a decent start to their summer business.

The return of Brad Walker, who was announced as the club's first summer signing on Friday, divided opinion among fans; the 29-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, was a popular figure during his first spell at Victoria Park, making 123 appearances, but has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons. His last appearance for Tranmere was on New Year's Day, meaning the next six weeks of preseason will be pivotal as he bids to get back up to speed and put his recent fitness issues behind him.

Pools have also secured the signing of centre-half Reiss McNally, who was an integral part of the Kidderminster side that finished in the National League North playoffs last season, as well as energetic fullback Jay Benn, who was a member of the Bradford side that were crowned League Two champions last term.

On the face of it, two decent bits of business; both new arrivals are a good age to develop but also possess much-needed experience, look to be powerful athletes, are versatile and arrive with positive reviews from their previous clubs.

While Pools were dealt a blow when prolific frontman Mani Dieseruvwe signed for Rochdale, the club have moved quickly to sign his replacement, welcoming former Walsall man Danny Johnson to Victoria Park.