HARTLEPOOL UNITED kick off their pre-season programme at Billingham Town this evening, with the squad keen to get back on the pitch after last week’s exertions at an Army training camp.

Pools’ players were put through their paces at the Army’s Marne Barracks at Catterick Garrison last week, with manager Ronnie Moore determined to build on the spirit and bonds that emerged as part of last season’s successful League Two survival battle.

This week, attention will switch to footballing preparations for the new campaign, with this evening’s game preceding further matches against Harrogate Railway, Whitby and Spennymoor.

Moore will be switching his players around to avoid too much physical exertion, with fit-again forward Michael Woods especially keen to return to action following his recovery from a broken leg and dislocated ankle.

“The games aren’t too far away now, and we all can’t wait to get going,” said Woods. “I’ll be eased back into it, 15-20 minutes at first for me and then see how we go

“But I think the way it’s set up is brilliant, we will all play here and there and we all know what we need to get where we want to be.

“Hopefully we can carry the momentum from last season forward, and I feel the squad we have this season is far stronger than last.”