Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark has delivered a passionate message to his players, urging them to play without fear as they prepare for their National League fixture against Woking. The club, which finished 9th last season with 68 points, looks to bounce back from a recent run of defeats when they welcome the Cards to the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday, 5th September.
What is Lee Clark's message to the Hartlepool United squad?
Lee Clark has emphasized a mantra of positivity and aggression to his Hartlepool United players. Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail, the head coach stressed the importance of maintaining a front-foot mentality regardless of recent results. He wants his team to press high and take calculated risks in pursuit of goals, even if it leaves them exposed at the back.
Clark's philosophy was clear in his comments. "Play without fear, that's our mantra, press without fear, play without fear," he told the Mail. "If someone wants to leave three up against our corners, we're not bothered, we're going to take the risk to try and get a goal." This approach, which yielded wins against Barrow and Aldershot earlier in the campaign, is something Clark insists the team must return to after a difficult spell.
What are the key details for the Hartlepool United vs Woking match?
The National League fixture is scheduled for 15:00 on Saturday, 5th September 2026, at the Suit Direct Stadium. According to the BBC's team news, Hartlepool are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation. Captain Jack Hunter is set to start in defence alongside Ryan McNally, Liam Gibson, and Nathan Eccleston, with Mitch Merrick in goal.
In midfield, Ben Ilunga, Nicky Sheron, Jake Miley, and Josh Nolan are named, while the strike partnership is listed as Chris Popov and Will Harris. The full squad list, including substitutes like Jordan Hugill and Tom Bondo, is available on the club's official squad page. Woking, managed by Craig Ross, are anticipated to deploy a 3-5-2 system, featuring players like Jake Forster-Caskey and John Marquis.
Where do Hartlepool United stand in the National League context?
Hartlepool United's current campaign follows a solid 2024/25 season where they amassed 68 points from 46 games, scoring 54 goals but conceding 59. Their recent form has been mixed, contributing to a position 40 points behind league leaders York City in the final standings of the previous campaign. The team's immediate focus is on arresting a run of three consecutive defeats and climbing from 14th place in the early-season table.
Fans can track the club's progress and the evolving standings throughout the season. The match against Woking, who sit 21st with 4 points, presents a clear opportunity for Hartlepool to get back on track. A win would be a significant step towards improving their points-per-game ratio and building momentum.
How can fans follow the Hartlepool United vs Woking game?
The match will be available for live coverage, with TNT Sports providing updates, scores, and highlights from the 3pm kick-off. Supporters looking for pre-match build-up and confirmed team news should check the latest fixtures information. The Hartlepool Mail has also launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel for the latest club news and injury updates direct to supporters' phones.
With the team looking to implement Clark's fearless philosophy, the performance against Woking will be closely watched. The head coach has made it clear that draws are not the objective, stating his preference for winning two and losing one over drawing three games. Hartlepool United's next fixture is at home on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
