It’s a fantastic set-up over there – and I will be pitch-side at the enclosure, now proudly named the Phoenix 2 Retail Arena, to watch Pools in action under Lee Clark. I genuinely can’t wait!
I don’t always get to Pools matches these days but this is guaranteed to be a unique occasion. It’s not every week you get to see a professional outfit like Hartlepool heading over to Seaton Carew!
A massive well done is owed to everyone involved in making this fixture a reality. The likes of Stevie Cockrill, Marty Hewitt, Ste Salvin, Andy Wilson and the rest of the committee deserve enormous credit.
Seaton Carew is a club firmly on the up!
Following their brilliant promotion from the Wearside League last season, they are heading into their first-ever Northern League campaign, boosted by an exciting new signing or two.
What better way to warm up for such a historic season than by welcoming your big neighbours for a bit of a local derby?
I fully expect a bumper crowd of around 1,000 people – if not more – to flock to the game. You can really feel the buzz around the town right now as Pools gear up for a massive push in the National League. Clark and head of recruitment Chris Beech have been busy reshaping the squad, bringing in some exciting new signings to mount a serious promotion drive.
The supporters have clearly bought into this new era, too, with record-breaking season ticket sales at Victoria Park proving the town is fully behind the team.
That incredible backing is exactly why fans are so eager to catch a glimpse of the new faces.
As the first official fixture of this new chapter, there are bound to be plenty of new recruits involved, alongside some promising young talent and the usual wave of pre-season substitutions.
To all the Pools fans thinking of going, just make sure you head to Hornby Park and sample the occasion.
Your appearance will provide a massive boost to the coffers of a local grassroots sports club with huge ambitions across its football, cricket and rugby sections.
From what I hear, there will also be live cricket on during the day, as well as the World Cup football on the screens inside after the full-time whistle has blown against Pools. What a day out!
Having previously been part of the Hartlepool backroom team that welcomed such giants as Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland to the Vic for friendlies, I know first-hand how vital it is to have a big neighbour arrive to boost the bank balance. This will be no different.
There are massive Pools fans within the ranks at Seaton Carew too.
So, beyond the financial boost, just imagine how special it will feel for players like Seaton’s summer signing Liam Wright when he takes to the pitch against his hometown club!
It promises to be a great first glimpse of how both sides shape up for the new season which is now just weeks away.
By Saturday, I should finally be back to 100 per cent, though it has taken me a few days to recover from my son Liam’s stag do in Benidorm!
I travelled back on Monday morning after a brilliant weekend celebrating and watching England’s tense World Cup last-16 game over in Mexico.
Benidorm was fantastic and created some lovely memories for Liam before he heads down the aisle later this summer. Now, I’m just glad to be home, recovered and ready for a brilliant afternoon of local football!
Author: Buster
Author of Life With Physiotherapist Buster, covering all things sports and health!