HARTLEPOOL United set sail for Holland last night - with Chris Turner claiming his side will be using Europe's premier training facility.

Pool left North Shields heading for the Netherlands, where they will stay at the Dutch Football Federation's training camp.

Turner's side return at the weekend after facing local opposition Theole tomorrow and SV Nootdorp 24 hours later as part of their preparations for the coming season, which starts for Pool at Carlisle on August 10.

For the last two years, Pool have utilised their close links with Scandinavia and enjoyed a pre-season tour of Norway, staying in Bergen and facing both local opposition and leading outfit Brann Bergen.

But despite the international action, Pool have suffered miserable starts to the new season and Turner believes Pool - who have already been in training two weeks - will this year avoid the type of start that has cost his side promotion.

"It's going to be a bit different for the lads because they are staying in the best training camp in Europe,'' said Turner.

"We will be training there before the games and be based on site.

"We are really lucky to be staying there. The company who are organising the trip were owed a favour and we have made the most of the chance. Not many teams in this country will have a better training facility this summer - everything is there for rest and training. It's residential so we can have the lads focused and I believe it gives us the chance to work and prepare on top quality pitches.

"And it's something a bit different for the fans who want to go as well. I think last year was a bit disappointing - that's not an excuse why we started the season so poorly - but we want the best possible start and we are at the best possible place.''

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