MICK Wadsworth leads his Hartlepool United squad off on their annual pre-season pilgrimage to Holland today

Pools head for the Netherlands with their first friendly to come on Saturday, followed by a second on Monday evening.

Twelve months ago, perhaps heading abroad was a good thing for the then newly-appointed Wadsworth amid a pessimistic outlook around Victoria Park.

There’s a marked contrast 12 months on and the first team coach admitted: “People tell me there’s a good buzz and vibe around the place and around the town which is good for everyone concerned.

“I came in last year, got my head down. We had that difficult period with the changeover (in August) and I had a lot to think about, but I feel good about it.

“This for me is the best time of the year, I’ve always liked pre-season. It’s lovely to get back to work and play the games, as long as nobody gets too serious about them and nobody wants me sacked after the first two pre-season games.

“I’ve done a lot of them, a lot. We are off to Holland and travel Thursday morning, it was good last year and this year we won’t have much travelling over there.

“We have a base, with excellent facilities and the games will be good for us.’’

Pools are usually based at the Dutch FA headquarters in Zeist, but are this year playing two games in Heiloo and will stay at a hotel nearby.

Among the party flying from Leeds Bradford today are strikers James Brown and Adam Boyd.

Both have been dogged by injuries and fitness troubles and have suffered frustrations galore in recent seasons, making just 26 League One starts between them in the last campaign.

Wadsworth has laid down the gauntlet to the pair and admits either – or both – could have been released at the end of last season. He is expecting big improvements in the coming months.

“Of course it’s a big year for Adam Boyd and James Brown,’’ admitted Wadsworth. “If you speak to Adam and James, then they would say that last year they had disappointing seasons for one reason or another.

“We know what Boydy has got in him, we know he can change a game and he needs to be in great condition to do that.

“He has worked incredibly hard this summer and I give great credit to Buster (Gallagher, physio) for driving him on.

“James, likewise, has done a hell of a lot of running and strength work to protect his knees, that he has had problems with in the past.

“And he is certainly looking that much more stronger and leaner. They are honest guys. We see talent in them – that’s the reason that they are still here – and it’s up to them.

“I’ve a lot of time for both of them as people because they are good guys and I think they are both terrifically motivated now to kick on their careers.

“It could have gone the other way. They could have both been looking for other clubs but I’m pleased to say they are not, they are here and I’m expecting a lot out of them.’’