No, not that God-awful telly programme with the equally God-awful Scouser!

But guess what I got through the post today?

And for a bonus point guess where I told Mrs R that they could right royally shove it?

probably an application form for a season ticket

And once again no letter of thanks from Mr Chairman. I say this every year, I'm getting sick of hearing me say it!

How much effort would it take for Ken Hodcroft to pen a letter of thanks to existing season ticket holders? Photocopy it, bang one in every application pack, job done. I think it's called customer relations.

In fact, I'll have a go.




Dear Season Ticket holder,

Although last season lack the excitement of some of our previous campaigns, we did achieve our number one target, consolidation in League One. After a bright start to the season we struggled to keep momentum going and fell away from the leading pack. However there was still a number of performances to be proud off throughout the campaign.

In a season when so many clubs have struggled financially, once again we have competed well and not wasted fans money. We have continued to introduce new facilities at Victoria Park and hope to complete a deal to purchase the ground from Hartlepool Borough Council in the not too distant future.

I have enclosed a season ticket application form for the new season, we all hope that you will continue to support the club, season ticket holders are a vital part of any football club and we value your custom highly. This year we have introduced a number of new incentives in an attempt to increase out home crowds and as a result our match day income.

As usual there will be a number of comings and goings throughout the summer and we have a packed pre-season campaign to look forward to, keep visiting the Hartlepool United official website for the most up to date news from your football club.

Best Regards
Ken Hodcroft
Chairman

And I posted this message when?

Forest sent a thing through addressed to the gadgie that lived in my house before me, and it is a thoroughly impressive piece of direct mail. If I get chance I'll scan it and put it on here.

I know they have a much bigger marketing budget than Pools and they've been promoted etc. but it's the thought that counts.

Pools would love to write lovely thank you letters to all of us loyal season ticket holders but they took the view that we thrive on whinging and whining and that it was best not to disturb that.

Ooooh you big law breaker.................

Even if Uncle Ken doesn't write, surely Chris Turner could pen something.