RITCHIE Humphreys admits the outlook for a footballers’ summer has dramatically altered.

Hartlepool United returned for pre-season last Friday and, since breaking into football as a schoolboy, Humphreys has seen a real sea change in and around the dressing room.

Pools will be back at Maiden Castle this morning and he admitted: “It’s tough - either the first or the 17th as it is for me. Three days in, it’s been hard work and the boys are looking well.

“You don’t switch off during the summer now. That’s the big change in the off-season. If they came back quite fit then they were looked down upon - now it’s the other way round and if you come back unfit you are looked down upon.

“There’s a big shift in mentality and fitness and we are doing a lot of both football and fitness work.

“Players can give themselves a week or two without doing anything during the summer, younger players more so. But you have to be an athlete in today’s environment.’’

Pools have four new recruits in their ranks, with Nobby Solano making an instant impression on his team-mates.

“So far Nobby has integrated straight away and when the ball comes out you can see his pedigree,’’ added Humphreys on BBC Tees. “We know his ability and what he can do for us.

“The fans are excited to see him here and we have had a very busy summer - players signing, players signing new deals and the season ticket offer have all brought a big buzz.

“We have over 2,800 sales and the players have chipped in to buy them as well as a squad - we think it’s a fantastic offer and are trying to encourage. It’s not a pr stunt - it’s genuine.’’

The squad yesterday dipped into their pockets to buy their share.

Despite already getting free tickets for each game, skipper Sam Collins said: “We wanted to do what we can to try and help the fans out.

“Wwe all know about the economic climate and knew that the chairman and Russ Green had come up with this fantastic offer so we wanted to play our part.

“All the players get an allowance of tickets but there are always certain games where you perhaps need a few more so this was a perfect opportunity for us and I’m delighted all the lads agreed to pitch in.

“It’s brilliant what the Club have done and I know Mick Wadsworth, Russ and the chairman have all bought tickets so everyone pulling together on this can only generate an even better spirit.

“I’ve said before that whenever I played here with Port Vale that the atmosphere was always fantastic so the more fans we can get, the more it’s going to help us in the new season.”