MICK WADSWORTH still has to pinch himself when he thinks about Nolberto Solano playing for Hartlepool United next season – and hopes the town’s public realise they have a ‘world-class talent’ in their ranks.
Wadsworth wants to see season ticket sales continue to rise before July 15, the deadline the club have set for a £100 season ticket offer if they pass the 4,000 sales mark.
Despite the success of the initiative – they have sold over 2,500 so far – there are still hundreds of season ticket holders to renew.
The Pools boss – who yesterday landed Hibernian striker Colin Nish – knows that if Pools can reach the magic number then it could also strengthen his own hand in the transfer market.
“The season tickets do have an effect because income becomes outcome,” said Wadsworth. “With the new financial regulations which are due to start next year, it will be all about doing things so they fall in line with the wishes of the Football League.
“Ken Hodcroft, the chairman, is very aware of it, Russ Green (chief executive) is and I am. If we can get more through the turnstile then great.
“There is also a drive towards bringing more young players up through the ranks because they can earn us more money. We can sell them on and if more fans are coming through their turnstiles then it means we can work at a slightly higher level.”
Signing Solano, the former Peru captain who spent a decade of his career in the Premier League, proved an early season ticket sales boost.
Wadsworth, who signed a new contract last week, worked with Solano at Newcastle United during his days as Sir Bobby Robson’s No 2.
And Wadsworth, despite his 60 years, is still coming to terms with the fact he has acquired the 36-year-old.
He said: “He is one of the most talented players I have worked with in my career. I keep forgetting that we have signed Nolberto Solano. When I remember I think ‘flipping ‘eck, Nobby’s coming in on Friday’. It’s great.”
He added: “He’s a fantastic character, he will be great in the dressing room. He will be a great example to our young players in terms of his technical ability and enthusiasm.
“He was never a quick player, so as he gets older his lack of pace doesn’t have an effect like it would have on others. Last year he played full-back for Leicester in the Championship. He was magnificent. He gives us dead ball kicking that is world class.”
Adam Boyd will be in the club’s ticket office from 3-5pm today to help promote the season ticket initiative.
Evan Horwood was there yesterday, with Peter Hartley selling tomorrow and Antony Sweeney on Thursday.
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