Some might have expected a mood of doom and gloom at the north-east outfit following their second relegation from the EFL in the space of six years.
But Askey, who led unfancied Macclesfield Town to a surprise National League title success in 2017-18, says that is far from the case. An improvement in results following his appointment in late February suggested Pools can play a bit and some canny summer recruitment has increased the level of expectation.
“It’s devastating for the football club to drop out of the Football League,” Askey told The NLP. “The biggest effect is on supporters, though ours knew it could happen from previous experience.
“Despite what’s happened, season ticket sales have been higher this season than last season. There is a mood of optimism, probably because of the upturn in results and how we played at the back end of last season.
“There is a feelgood factor and the only way we can keep that going is by winning games. That’s what we have got to do.
“The support the team gets from the fans is unbelievable. When we were already relegated last season, we went to Stockport and the supporters cheered the lads off. You would think we had stayed up or won something!
“Hartlepool isn’t an easy place for away teams to come. If we can get the crowd going, it can put teams on the back foot.”
Denne historien er fra July 30, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra July 30, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MARTYRS MARCH ON UP TO THE TOP
MERTHYR TOWN showcased their title credentials at the AEI Stadium as they emerged victorious over Gosport Borough on Saturday afternoon.
WARD FIRES A WARNING!
KEATON Ward's early strike took Boston United took within two points of safety at the expense of Braintree Town, who themselves are still looking over their shoulders.
DAN JUST THE MAN TO BREAK BRACKLEY
BUXTON followed up successive wins with victory at St James Park as Brackley Town failed to notch a tenth successive home win, going down to Dan Ogwuru's 25th-minute goal.
BEES KEEP TICKING OFF WINS
Runaway leaders Barnet edged ever closer to the National League title with a slender win over in-form Woking.
HOPE FOR MURATTI MINNOWS
THE shop windows in Alderney are already decorated in blue and white as excitement builds ahead of one of football's longest-running underdog stories.
TOP EURO TRIP BUILT BRICKS A FIRM BASE
Summer friendly helped shape us, says Hadley ace
O'GRADY SNR LYING IN WAIT
CHRIS O’Grady has an extra motivation in Mickleover’s relegation battle – the chance to play against his sons!
ANDY'S STREETS AHEAD!
Williams adding to Bulls legacy
SAINTS' POWER SHIFT IS INTACT
A PIVOTAL sliding doors moment of Gwyneth Paltrow proportions impacted Non-League circles in the Merseyside town of St Helens three years ago.
KEV'S BOYS DIG IN DEEP
PROUD boss Kevin Maher saw his Southend United side twice peg back high-flying Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn and claimed 'We could have won all three points'.
