So how long can Hartlepool United hold onto Chris Turner?

While all the talk - and expectations - around Victoria Park is of promotion, it should be remembered that success for Pool more often than not leads to departures.

Successful players move on; there's been enough of those. But how about successful managers?

No-one can deny the fact that Turner's transformation at Victoria Park hasn't gone unnoticed by chairmen and owners in the divisions above.

And with trigger-happy chairmen willing to sack their manager at the drop of the hat, there will certainly be plenty of vacancies this season.

Pool fans can take comfort from the fact that if Turner does go, his achievements of lifting Pool's profile can only help attract a better calibre of candidate to carry on the good work.

Perhaps it's only the poor start last term which cost Turner the chance of a higher division job.

A good start this season - and Turner has done everything in his power to ensure Pool get off to a flyer - is imperative.

Last season's start was even more disappointing than the previous two. It cost Pool promotion. While there was delight in reaching the play-offs on the last day of the season, should it really have come down to that?

A play-off place should have been in the bag well before the win at Exeter. April 20 at St James' Park, Exeter, should have been a promotion party.

This time around, Turner got his players back for pre-season training early and he's standing by the men that did so well from November onwards last season.

Because he knows if they carry on that form and play that brand of scintillating football then no-one can match Hartlepool United.

Gordon Watson does for Pool what Marco Gabbiadini did for Darlington three season's ago. He tortures defenders, scores spectacular goals for fun and is adored by the fans.

Added to that is Watson's air of confidence which drives him forward. He's too good for third division defences - far too good.

Combine his abilty with Paul Smith's class on the left wing and there's a potent mix.

Watson signing a new, one-year deal was a welcome relief to everyone who thought he may be tempted to have another crack at higher division football where he has spent all his career.

He desperately wants to repay Turner for showing faith in him last year.

But don't go into the season thinking Turner wants to get away from Pool - nothing could be further from the truth; his sights are focused on getting out of the division but only in May with Hartlepool United.

But when the lure of the First Division, the chance to manager better players, the opportunity to push for the Premiership, wage increases, more pulling power and it could only mean Turner moving on - and no one could deny him the opportunity.

He deserves it.

Read more about Hartlepool here.