Pools plan success

Hartlepool manager Chris Turner has overhauled the club's pre-season schedule as he plots another assault on promotion from Division Three.

Turners' men just missed out on promotion this season when they were denied at the play-off semi-finals stage by Cheltenham Town.

But now the Victoria Park boss is plotting Pools' comeback with a July tour of Holland and a string of friendlies against strong opposition.

Turner will base his charges at the Dutch national team headquarters for a five-day away workout in July.

Turner has also lined up friendlies against Stockport, Bradford and Barnsley.

Pools will also host Premiership outfit Newcastle United on July 29.

"We are changing everything," Turner told the club's website.

"We have been to Norway the last two seasons, now we are going to Holland.

"And we have been very fortunate with the facilities that we are going to get and that will be a tremendous experience for everyone concerned.

"The type of opposition we are bringing to Victoria Park this year will also be different because we had no First and Second Division clubs visit us last year.