Hartlepool United wing-back Paul Arnison is preparing for what he believes is the biggest season of his career.

The 24-year-old, who signed a one-year extension to his contract in May, had a nightmare start to the last campaign.

Arnison made one substitute appearance during the first two and a half months of the 2000-01 season, as he struggled to regain fitness after a knee operation and a niggling calf strain.

And the Pool defender, who starts pre-season training with the rest of the squad today, admits he is desperate to make the most of getting a full summer's preparation under his belt.

"The operation I had meant it was difficult to find my full fitness before the start of the last campaign," said the former Newcastle United reserve team skipper. "I don't think I played until October so I was never getting as fit as I should have been.

"But this time I have been trying to stay fit during our break and I feel as though I'm ready to really go for it this year.

"Towards the end of last season I was feeling pretty sharp and that's what I want to do for the whole of the coming season and hopefully earn myself an improved deal.

"This is a big year for us all at the club because we believe that we can go up in the top three and possibly even finish top."

Turner is expected to change his team's formation to 3-5-2 on away days and Arnison is thought to be Pool's first choice wing-back when they play with three centre-halves.

But the Hartlepool-born defender is not content with playing every other week and is keen to put pressure on regular right-back Michael Barron when Turner opts for a flat back four.

And Arnison said: "I know the manager is going to try 3-5-2 away and that looks like when I may play most of my games.

"But I want to play in our home matches as well and I'm determined to put the pressure on for that right-back slot."

Arnison is convinced that with a pre-season trip to Holland lined up Pool will be well prepared for their opening fixture at Carlisle on August 10.

"We have got some good friendlies arranged against good opposition like Newcastle, Sheffield United, Stockport and Bradford," he said. "Those will give us plenty of preparation for the League campaign.

"In Holland we are training in a camp that is second to none and we will all be focused on the job in hand in August."

* Pool have brought forward four of next season's fixtures to Friday night. Home games with York (now November 1), Scunthorpe (December 20) and Bury (March 7) have changed as well as Southend away (October 25).

"Southend asked us to move the fixture," said boss Chris Turner, "and although it is a distance away, we agreed as it will help us prepare for the next game. It might be a little difficult for our fans, but it does help the team."

* Turner last night played for Manchester United in the North West Masters tournament.

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