PRE-SEASON started early for Hartlepool United, and two weeks into their programme, with four to go before the campaign starts, they today have their first friendly.

Matthew Bates got his players in two weeks ago today for their first session. At noon today they face Billingham Town in their usual opening run-out.

"There were a couple of murmurs after the 23rd was mentioned, but once we've all seen each other and caught up with each other, it feels natural, the lads are getting on well," admitted Carl Magnay.

All of Pool’s summer signings will get a game today, with Bates planning on changing his team at half-time.

“I thought, respectfully, it was a bit early to come back,’’ added Magnay.

“I think Batesy’s idea was that he wanted a six-week block before the start of the National League programme.

“The season starts a bit earlier this season, August 4, so he wanted a full six weeks with us.

“It means we’ve had to come in a little bit earlier, but that is an indicator that he doesn’t want to cut any corners and he wants to do things right.

“He wants to spend as much time with the squad as possible.

“I believe it is something that is going to benefit us, we'll have a lot of time together. We had the ball out early which is good management because I’ve been at clubs where you don’t see the ball for at least two weeks.

"It’s still hard work but disguised work. The players love that sort of stuff.’’

Magnay will among new faces in defence today, with Andrew Davies, Mark Kitching and Myles Anderson arriving in recent weeks. Peter Kioso, a former MK Dons full-back, signed yesterday.

Davies, the former Middlesbrough defender, brings leadership to the squad and Magnay admitted: "Personally, I'm thrilled, I'm looking forward to getting to know him and learn from him.

"As a defender he's played at a very good level, he's a couple of years older the me and I don't think there are many of them in the squad now. He's a great acquisition.’’

In front of the back four, Pools have Paddy McLaughlin and Liam Noble in midfield, with Niko Muir signed up front.

McLaughlin, a left-footed central midfielder, moved from Gateshead and Magnay admitted: "Paddy is a great friend of mine who I played with at Grimsby.

"He's a lovely tidy footballer, likes to tackle as well, can score goals.

"I never knew Paddy had signed until he popped up in the dressing room!

"That was a lovely surprise because I really rate Paddy.’’

Striker Muir signed from Hendon and Magnay hopes Pools have unearthed a genuine talent after he nabbed 40 goals last season.

"Niko has scored a lot of goals in the lower leagues and hopefully we can be a catalyst for his journey into the leagues,’’ admitted Magnay.

"Maybe he can hit the ground running and score the goals here.

"Myles is a big boy, aggressive, which is something that I think we've needed.

"There's a lad I played with at Grimsby, mar Bogle, who had a very similar route. 45 goals is not to be sniffed at, we'll see how he gets on. We've had the ball out a bit and what we've seen he looks very capable of dealing with this league and we look forward to seeing him in pre-season matches.’’