PROMOTION to the Championship would net Hartlepool United a £1m-plus cash jackpot. That is the carrot dangled in front of them ahead of tomorrow's League One play-off final.

Overcoming Sheffield Wednesday at the Millennium Stadium will not only secure a Championship place for the first time in the club's history but it will also bring the £670,000 pay cheque that goes with that status.

That is the sum distributed equally among second-tier clubs irrespective of the position occupied at the end of next season.

But, while supporters and anyone connected with the club would refuse to consider such talk, regardless of whether Pool win or lose tomorrow they stand to pocket a major windfall.

Due to the vast number of supporters making their way to south Wales - an expected 60,000 crowd is forecast - nearly £700,000 will be halved between the two clubs.

The hope, of course, is that Pool will book their place in the Championship and if that comes true then the financial boost at Victoria Park will stretch far beyond the £1m barrier.

A live appearance on Sky TV would clinch £60,000 for every home game they figure in or £20,000 for an away fixture, although those figures are based on this season and the Football League budget is yet to be confirmed for the new campaign.

There has been a huge rush in shirt sales and other official club merchandise this week - no sales figures have been released - and now all eyes are turning towards the clash in Cardiff.

"It has been a lucrative time for the club," said media manager Mark Simpson. "Fans have been doing their best to show their support for the club. Hopefully the club will reward them with a good showing."