HARTLEPOOL United chairman Ken Hodcroft has issued a passionate rallying call to the region's football fans - "come and join us".

Hodcroft is disappointed at the level of attendances at Victoria Park in recent weeks - Saturday's crowd of 4,486 for the win over Swansea was over 500 down on the previous gate.

And with Pool enjoying the best season in the club's history, Hodcroft is dismayed at the lack of 5000-plus crowds.

"We at the club would like to give a clear message to the whole catchment area of Hartlepool: We ask you again to come and support this club now.

"We have six home games left and the club is on the verge of making history. The owners took over the club to develop it further, to ensure Hartlepool as a town would not be let down by its football club.''

Writing in the match programme, he added: "We believe we have returned pride to the club and hopefully given a little more pride to a town that we know is already very proud of itself.

"We have recently re-signed key players at additional cost to the owners and are already in discussions with other players.

"The early action clearly shows faith in the management team, players and club. We haven't, and we don't want to, let the town down - we ask everyone in the area not the let the club down.''

Pool's average attendance this season is 4,817 - more than double the gate during IOR's first season in control. Away from home, the suport is standing up - Pool took over 1,800 fans to York on February 15 and have sold out their 2,000 allocation for Saturday's derby at Darlington.

Their next home game is with fourth-placed Bury a week on Friday, and Hodcroft is hoping for a near-6,000 crowd as Pool home in on the Division Three title.

Pool's average attendances: Season 92-93: 3,161; 93-94: 2,097; 94-95: 1,938; 95-96: 2,072; 96-97: 2,085; 97-98: 2,241; 98-99: 2,689; 99-00: 2,982; 00-01: 3,423; 01-02: 3,566; 02-03: 4,817

* Kevin Henderson netted as a Pool reserve side lost 2-1 to a Newcastle XI featuring Jonathan Woodgate yesterday. Paul Smith had a 90 minute run out as he builds up his fitness.

Read more about Hartlepool here.