Pools and manufacturers Errea were right on the money with the new designs – and will be hoping the sleek new strips will compel fans to put their hands into their pockets – and the kits were greeted with almost universal approval following their release.
The home kit features the traditional blue and white stripes, the badge in the centre of the shirt and a retro collar, with the design a nod to the iconic 1908 Gold shirt of the late 90s.
Hartlepool’s great nautical history is acknowledged with the vintage ship’s wheel and an incredibly accurate town map on the away strip.
Thankfully, embroidered badges have been added to this year’s kits, which aim to enhance the shirt’s appearance and longevity. The decision was made in response to complaints from disgruntled supporters who quickly realized that their previous year’s jersey did not hold up well in the washing machine.
Not to mention, this summer’s new strips arrived ahead of schedule, which is a pleasant departure from last year’s craziness with the kit, when everything was delivered right up until the last minute.
While it would be unrealistic to expect a flawless production, elegant design, and well-coordinated rollout, the somewhat disorganized approach from the previous year indicated that things were a little off at the Suit Direct Stadium.
The fact that both of the new strips are blue raises one doubt, if any. The uniforms from the previous season were also rather similar, and on Easter Monday, Pools clashed with Rochdale, who was wearing their yellow away strip even though they were the home team. A third kit might be on the horizon.
Supporters can at least feel secure in the knowledge that their team will play with flair come semester; whether or whether the squad plays with style will be the true litmus test, though. Thanks to local businesses, Mani Dieseruvwe was one of the players selected to represent the new kits for the official launch, which included pictures taken throughout the town and an exciting promotional video. Canvas
The 29-year-old scored a career-high 25 goals the previous season, and supporters will be fervently hoping to see him in the new uniform next season. New manager Darren Sarll will undoubtedly place retaining hold of the striker at the top of his priority list.
If Sarll is serious about contending for promotion, Pools must not only hang onto Dieseruvwe but also recruit well this summer. In fact, a solid summer could convince Dieseruvwe to stay at the Suit Direct Stadium for another season.
On Wednesday, the new manager gave fans a much-needed update, but some fans thought his letter said too much without actually saying anything.
Given that some supporters are already worried about a lack of transfer business in comparison to teams like Barnet, who have signed eight new players, Woking, who have added five, and York, who signed four new players over the weekend, it was, in a sense, a lose-lose situation.
But it seems vital for the team to stay in contact with the supporters, particularly at a time when some are feeling more estranged than ever after yet another poor campaign and the contentious decision to raise season ticket costs. The excitement surrounding the new jerseys served as a much-needed diversion from the frustration and angst that some fans are experiencing.
Naturally, Sarll would be stupid to provide too much information about his strategy; he wouldn’t want to put himself in a precarious situation by implying he would do, say, or sign something—or someone—that would later turn out to be unachievable.
He did, however, provide more details about the kind and caliber of player he is seeking to sign, his intentions for a demanding preseason, and his conviction that he won’t rush his summertime business.
A good number of his thoughts will be shared by most admirers.
A “different” kind of player—one who is more athletic and agile—is required for pools. Fans will be ecstatic at the possibility of seeing their team grow stronger, more vibrant, and more active.
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