Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll's 10 secrets to a successful season:
![Pools have one of the National League's largest and loudest fanbases. Despite a difficult season, Pools' average home attendance was more than 4,000, the league's fifth-highest; that could be set to increase at least one place after Chesterfield, who averaged almost 8,000, were promoted while relegated Forest Green and Sutton are unlikely to displace Pools in the top five. The supporters are, understandably, disgruntled after a generally disappointing period for the club; the last 17 years have seen Pools suffer three relegations, finish in the bottom half 14 times and manage just one promotion. A controversial increase in season ticket prices added fuel to the fire of the frustrated fanbase but Sarll's summer business has started to restore some optimism to the area. With the fans on side, Victoria Park can be one of the most difficult places for visiting sides to play.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjJmODI5YWNjLTZiZmMtNDFjNy04NGUxLWM3M2I1MDVhMWM5ZjoyMGY2ODI1Zi0xNTQxLTQyZTYtODdhNi0xZjBlNjRhZTliNjE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Harness the support of the home fans
Pools have one of the National League's largest and loudest fanbases. Despite a difficult season, Pools' average home attendance was more than 4,000, the league's fifth-highest; that could be set to increase at least one place after Chesterfield, who averaged almost 8,000, were promoted while relegated Forest Green and Sutton are unlikely to displace Pools in the top five. The supporters are, understandably, disgruntled after a generally disappointing period for the club; the last 17 years have seen Pools suffer three relegations, finish in the bottom half 14 times and manage just one promotion. A controversial increase in season ticket prices added fuel to the fire of the frustrated fanbase but Sarll's summer business has started to restore some optimism to the area. With the fans on side, Victoria Park can be one of the most difficult places for visiting sides to play.Photo: Mark Fletcher
![Conversely, supporters in the North East are notoriously lacking in patience - now more so than ever. A strong start and some momentum will go some way to propelling Sarll's side to success, but a disappointing August and the hope and optimism that is beginning to return could soon turn sour.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA4N2RiZmZkLTM2MzUtNDdiNy1iYTA3LTExYmNkN2I1NDVkOToxNzRjODFiMC1kMGVjLTRhZjgtYTA4MC0zODY3NmE0Njc3Yjc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. Start well
Conversely, supporters in the North East are notoriously lacking in patience - now more so than ever. A strong start and some momentum will go some way to propelling Sarll's side to success, but a disappointing August and the hope and optimism that is beginning to return could soon turn sour.Photo: Frank Reid