ENTERING League One four years ago, Hartlepool United acted as if they had been there all their life.

It didn't seem like the first time Pools had been out of the bottom division in almost ten years as they finished sixth to reach the play-offs.

Tomorrow's opener at Luton might not be as dramatic as their first game in this division in 2003, when they enjoyed a stunning 4-3 win at Peterborough on a baking hot August day.

But over the next nine months, there's no reason to doubt the credentials of Danny Wilson's squad as they strive to make another big impression in League One.

Pools' last season in this division was a shambles, relegated just months after the biggest day in their history, when they played in the playoff final.

But bouncing back last season showed that sorry campaign was a mere blip in the record books. Since IOR took control in 1997 - their tenth anniversary comes up next month - the club has been on a steady upward curve.

They have even bigger plans for the club if their bid to purchase Victoria Park from the council comes to fruition.

Their shrewd appointment of Danny Wilson last summer was vital and the rewards are being enjoyed. It was the first time since Cyril Knowles took charge in 1989 that Pools had appointed a gaffer with experience of managing in the English leagues.

While the late Knowles saved Pools from the Conference on his appointment, Wilson saved Pools from losing the momentum enjoyed since 2000 - two promotions and five playoff campaigns outweigh the relegation season.

Wilson was, of course, the Bristol City manager in 2004 who ended Pools season so dramatically in the play-off semi-final.

But his appointment at Pools also ensured they found a path out of the desert at the first time of asking. Now, instead of facing the likes of Accrington Stanley, Morecambe and Dagenham, Pools can pick out fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Swansea and Leeds.

It took Wilson a few weeks to enjoy the results last season.

They were 16th after losing to Barnet on November 4 before the fireworks started, but when they clicked, they clicked in style.

Record after club record was broken on the way to promotion - including 17 wins from 19 amid a 23-game stretch unbeaten run - as Pools played a style of football that was too clever and too swift for too many teams in the division.

At the heart of it was the defence. An unprecedented 25 clean sheets set the base for promotion and gave the other players in the team the chance to play with freedom.

Micky Nelson and Ben Clark formed a strong central defensive partnership and the summer loan arrival of Godwin Antwi from Liverpool adds more cement to the bricks.

On the rare occasions either Clark or Nelson was missing last season, Gary Liddle moved from central midfield to cover.

His sophistication in the centre of the park was missed on those occasions and this year he should enjoy more room in a better division to flourish.

Liddle's capture from Middlesbrough's reserve side was Wilson's first hugelysuccessful delve into the transfer market and more followed.

Richard Barker's nine goals and forward play proved his £80,000 worth in the second half of the season and he's come back for this season fitter and stronger, while Andy Monkhouse and Willie Boland strengthened and balanced the midfield. All will have big roles to play this season.

The emergence of James Brown and David Foley should continue, with the former a bag of tricks on the right wing and the latter an explosive talent with his pace.

League One won't prove a massive step up for Pools this season. They've already proved themselves at this level and feel they are back home.