We enter the last week of pre season, and it now the times of dreaming, or having nightmares.

What does the new season hold for not only Pools' fans, but fans of all other clubs.

Is it dreams of promotion, after all, if the glass is half full we're only 46 games from promotion, or 48 from a dream day out at Wembley.

Is it nightmares and the glass is half empty and we're 46 games away from relegation and at least another season in the bottom division..

Whatever the next 9 months hold for us all, the football season is back, a time for celebration or despair, it's what all football fans thrive on.

More than any other season I believe this division will throw up more surprise wins than any other time, teams will be beating teams when it least expected and that will include Pools winning games they shouldn't and losing games they should win.

Injuries have already cost us players who would have started against Mk Dons and with August on paper difficult it will be a time for supporters to be patient, as many people say it's a marathon not a sprint.

So for the first time this season.

COME ON POOLS, give us all some dreams for a while at least.

In a strange sort of way having the tricky fixtures early in the season may not be such a bad thing. If we are going to have a number of injuries then we would find it tough going against any teams (as we have preseason) so it may be better that we get the players back for those games with the teams who we will be amongst at the end of the season ie. the six pointers. A difficult start will also ensure we learn quite quickly where our side must improve and give us plenty of time to address these areas.

I just SO want to see us start with a win at the dongs but it will be very tough.

I havent looked forward the season to start this much in a long time. I think we have strengthened the squad well and it was needed. I think we will beat MK Dons on the first day 2-1 or maybe get a 1-1 draw. I do think we will finish mid-table and the "bigger" teams that have come down are in for a big shock and will get beat of a number of team they think they should walk all over.

I am approaching this season with renewed optimism, optimism I thougth had gone forever, all mixed with a dose of realism.

I expect a difficult season, in a difficult division, with a very tough start.

I believe we may flirt with the bottom of end of the division, but with the decent squad we have, coupled with a clever use of the loan system, I think we will be fine.

Then we can grow, and move forward next season.

Stick that you whinging muppets.

I hope you are right. Hopefully the bigger clubs may take a while to get going as they will probably show some complacency at first. This could benefit us.

I agree John and if we do stay in this division will we be seen as others as established league one team, or as they view us at the moment "the likes of Hartlepool"

I'm looking forward to the new season, can't wait. My hopes are that we do well. My dreams are that we get promoted. My nightmares are that we get relegated.
We are obviously rebuilding the squad so consolidation is my realistic target.
It would be nice to get one or two better results on the road as well.
I'll join Bob in saying COME ON POOLS.

What I want to see is a complete eradication of the lack of effort/desire displayed at times last season (Bristol Rovers away being a prime example). I'm sure this has been addressed though.

I think we'll end up comfortably mid-table due to us getting rid of the 2 goalkeepers, who I have to say were woeful and have been a major reason for 2 years of struggle. I also think one of the bigger teams in the division may surprise us and struggle a bit. I think it may be our first home opponents. Don't know why. Just a hunch.

In what appears to be the strongest league for some time, survival will do for me.

I 'd love us to finish anywhere above 4th bottom but I cant see it. We have flirted with relegation the last 2 seasons and with the loss of Porter I cant see where the goals are going to come from. Hopefully James Brown can get amoungst them but I fear even if he does will could be sold for a large fee by January.

I'm expecting plenty of battling performances but lack of quality. I think we'll be relegated.

Like to see your being optimistic

Its rare that the bookies get it wrong and I don't think apart from maybe the keeper we have improved the team. There is a distinct lack of quality and i'm relying on James Brown as Porter did last season to more or less carry the team single handedly in front of goal.

Still, on the bright side, if we do finish out of the bottom four i'll be well happy.

So......................

1) Having a much better keeper doesnt give you hope?

2) A proper right back doesnt give you hope?

3) Are you honeslty telling me you wouldnt take James Brown aand Boydy over Joel Porter? And add Dennis Behan to that?

4) Competition for places at the back and midfield dont give you hope? We didnt have either last season.

5) Left back? OK this one is a disgrace I'll grant you that. But it was last season too.

6) A full quota of loans availabale as and when required, must give you confidence?

As we didnt go down last season, and bearing in mind all of the above I see no reason for such pessimism.

and I havent even mentioned the other clubs fans who are equally, if not more, pessimistic.

Foe every Norwich, there is a Yeovil.