HARTLEPOOL UNITED fan Kevin Monaghan got a surprise when he turned up at The Super 6 Stadium and became the club’s 500th season ticket holder for 2019/20.

The retired schoolteacher and lecturer has been supporting Pools for over 50 years and snapped snap up a season ticket for the new campaign.

Pools are encouraged by the figures for the new season continue to rise with 650 sold now.

Monaghan has many fond memories of following the club: “I’m from London originally but my Gran lived in Lancaster Road and I will always remember that you could hear the cheers from the Victoria Ground from her house,” he explained, after paying just £150 for his early bird ticket.

“I guess you could say I have always had a connection with the Club since then and I used to come along with my dad and his brother in the 1960s when I got the chance.

“I remember watching the likes of John McGovern and Tony Parry when Brian Clough was Manager – one of my best memories is the Boxing Day win over Darlington in the snow the year we won promotion.

“I’ve been coming periodically for all those years since but I am so pleased that this year I will have my own season ticket and my own seat – I can’t wait.”

Having signed up for 2019/20, he is confident that Craig Hignett can mastermind an enjoyable campaign.

“I’m very hopeful that we can have a good season,” said Kevin, who will take up his seat in the Cyril Knowles Stand to cheer the lads on.

“I would say the player who inspired me last year was Luke James – every time I saw him play it struck me that he just never stopped running and got on with the game, even when he was badly fouled.

“I am happy with the progress we’re making and hopefully we can have a really successful season coming up.”

For more information visit http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk