HARTLEPOOL United Supporters Trust is holding its annual open members meeting on Thursday at the Corporation Club in Whitby Street (7.30pm).

The meeting, at which new members can join on the night, has been brought forward to reflect the situation at Pools, so members can be updated with the huge amount of progress being made by the Trust in difficult times.

Trust spokesman Phil Dunn said: “The meeting is a great chance for HUST members to get together and see just how much has been happening behind the scenes. 

“We have more than tripled our membership in a few short weeks to over 650. This meeting will be an update on Trust activities, and an insight into the discussions and dialogue we have now opened with HUFC. 

“It’s important for Pools fans to attend and be given a chance to understand what a Supporters Trust does, and is indeed doing. There’s been a lot of hard work put into The Trust so far and hopefully people will be able to see that hard work is now paying off, and ask the HUST board questions on the night.”

Pools’ chief executive Pam Duxbury will be in attendance to speak to supporters.  Duxbury has already stated that her ideal model for Pools would be a joint venture between Fans and Investors, a route which has already worked at many other lower league clubs.

Dunn added: “The presentations at the meeting will detail how the Trust is progressing with our talks at HUFC, and how it works at other clubs.

"Pam has agreed to attend and it will give Pools fans a chance to meet her too. It promises to be an informative and interesting night, and I would urge all Pools fans that can attend, to be there.

"It costs £20 to join and if talks continue in the same vein, Pools Fans could well be buying in to a stake in their club.

“As well as the serious stuff we will be injecting a bit of fun into the night too and it will be a great chance for Pools fans to get together and discuss what has been a turbulent season to say the least.”