Hartlepool United’s key recruitment areas and John Askey’s stance on sporting director after transfer breakthrough

But with a goalkeeper and a defender joining first, it’s perhaps symbolic of Askey’s aspirations to make Hartlepool stronger as a team in the new National League season.

Pools had the worst defensive record in the second division in the 2022/23 season, conceding 78 goals in their 46 league games, which is a goal difference of -26.

“The big positions are the goalkeeper, the center forward and the backbone of the team,” said Askey.

“Beyond that, it’s like putting a puzzle together.”

“I’ve had teams where we couldn’t afford to buy a centre-forward or get a centre-forward for decent money, then you have to do that by having a good team and creating chances and everyone gets involved.

“That striker might not exist, so we have to find ways to score goals without having an absolute goalscorer.”

“But I think the main thing we haven’t had is having a solid base and not conceding goals. A successful team doesn’t concede many goals and that’s where you start.”

The arrival of Dixon and Burton marks the first commercial collaboration between Askey and Kelly since their appointment – Askey was keen to highlight how important he thinks Kelly will be this summer before the season ends.

And the Hartlepool manager believes that relationship will last through the summer and into next season.

“We hadn’t worked together but I’ve known Darren for a while. He’s a big help,” Askey said.

“I think every football club needs someone in that position now.

“In football clubs, a manager is expected to look after and know every player and agent. And because of the amount of games and the Saturday-Tuesday schedule, it’s not possible to match the number of games you want to achieve.

“So having someone there who can come to the games and talk to the agents.” [is a big help]. I still speak to agents, but that takes some of the pressure off.”

Askey continued: “It’s also like when a manager goes there’s still someone there to maintain consistency within the football club, which I think is good for clubs when you get the right person for the job .”

“As long as we work hard and you look at yourself in the mirror and you know you’re doing your best, hopefully it will serve me well with the experience I’ve had in the league which will help the club.”