The state of play as Pools set to return

The Hartlepool United players returned to pre-season training on Monday ahead of the new National League season—and there is lots of work to be done at Victoria Park.

- Robbie Stelling

A lot has happened - indeed, a lot has changed, although some things have stayed the same-since Pools brought the curtain down on another underwhelming season with a 1-1 draw against Forest Green Rovers on May 5.

Pools released nine players at the end of the season, while Billy Sass-Davies opted to sign for Altrincham in order to be closer to friends and family.

Since then, young goalkeeper Josh Mazfari left in contested circumstances; although Pools said they had been in "ongoing discussions" with the 20-year-old, Mazfari's father, Steve, took to social media to refute the club's suggestion, writing "Josh has not had any contract discussions with anyone at the club and no offer has been made, either verbally or in writing".

Dan Dodds signed for South Shields earlier this month while long-serving defender David Ferguson joined Gateshead on Wednesday, pointedly reminding fans "it's YOUR club" on X and suggesting his departure was "out of my control".

Elsewhere, drama off the pitch has continued almost unabated although, at long last, there are signs that the dust is beginning to settle.

Owner Raj Singh, who suddenly resigned in March, returned to his role as chairman following a vote among season ticket holders; in the vote, which was not without controversy, 63 per cent of eligible fans called for Singh's return.

Singh then sat down with former Tyne Tees Television presenter Paul Frost in a pre-recorded interview in the wake of backlash following his return.