RAJ SINGH, the Hartlepool United chairman, admits to be pleasantly surprised at the revival of the club – even if it has cost him more than anticipated.

Singh stepped in to save Pools from financial doom in March when he took control of the club. After securing National League survival under Matthew Bates, he tasked the former centre-half with the manager’s job.

Pools have sold more season tickets than last season and signed nine players over the summer.

And Singh, speaking at an open day at Victoria Park yesterday, admitted: “These are exciting times, the town and the fans have come on board and got behind us. The staff here have done a good job at the club over the summer. There’s a lot to be excited about.

“We have to manage expectations, no-one will get too excited, but it’s fair to say if we sat down two or three months ago and said we would get the players in who we have got in, it would have been an ex citing thought to consider, let alone actually getting them in.

“But it’s about keeping our feet on the ground and be quietly confident. We are all in it together and then see where it takes us.

“Since I came in it’s possibly cost me a little bit more money than what was expected at first, but that’s always the case when taking on a business. I’d like to think I’ve got a sensible business head, but there’s always a little bit more to come. It’s been a little bit more, but nothing to worry about.’’

The new home and away kit was unveiled by the squad in front of supporters yesterday, while the chairman, manager and director of football Craig Hignett held a talk in with fans last night.

Supporters, who rallied round to help save the club last season, have been praised by the chairman. He said: “The supporters have come along in their numbers today to see the players and the new strip – things are positive.

“If someone had said to me that we would make this sort of progress we have made over the last two to three months, I would snatch their arm off. We have made massive leaps from where the club was in March time, it’s really encouraging.

“Season ticket sales have been good, very positive especially after what had gone on last time. You never know what the take up will be, but Mark, Craig and Matty have done a great job in getting players into the club and that always helps.

“The fans want to see a good team, positive signings and so far, so good we have all been impressed.

“The players arriving here are of a high standard. One of my remits to Matty and Craig was to try and get in as many local players, lads from the North-East as we can. They have done that and if you look across the squad there’s only a few outside the area and you can live with that – we want lads from the region who will fight for the club.’’