AHEAD of their first run out at Victoria Park since April, Craig Hignett is confident of a positive season ahead.

Hartlepool United take on Sunderland this evening (7.30) after an opening run out at Billingham Town before a week-long training camp in Tenerife.

Sunderland will field their first-team squad this evening for their first friendly of the summer.

And Hignett, who improved Pools’ fortunes after his February appointment last season, said:

“The supporters are believing in what we do – I want us all to be together. The signs are good. Hopefully we can have a good start to the season.

“It’s easy to get carried away, last year they won four and then tailed away. Our pre-season is designed to build constantly.

“I want it to last the season and it’s important to do it properly.

“We ended last season with some defeats, but overall we would have finished sixth or seventh with that form carried on through a season.

“I want an exciting season and to be in with a shout of doing something.’’

Pools will tonight field their summer signings – Nicky Deverdics, Toto Nsalia, Lewis Alessandra and Padraig Amond.

While Hignett is still looking to add to his squad if the right player comes along, he’s happy with his lot.

He said: “All the signings were our first choices and we went and spoke to them all early to get them in.

“Their ambitions matched ours and they are all good players whose ambitions match ours.

“It’s important as a manager to go out there and see players. It’s easy to phone an agent and tell them you want them. When you travel to see them it makes a difference and it’s no coincidence that they are all the same type – hungry, ambitious, at a good age with a point to prove.’’

Supporters can pay on the gate this evening. Pools fans are in the Town End and Cyril Knowles Stand and, after Sunderland sold out the Niramax Stand, the seats behind the goal are available on the night.

Admission is £10 and £5 concessions.