LAST SEASON Hartlepool United completed the Great Escape. Boss Ronnie Moore then said he wanted his side to progress to the Dirty Dozen this coming season.

So where better than four days at Catterick Garrison for Pools pre-season build up?

Pools reported for duty at 9am on Monday and, after a tough opening day, yesterday morning took part in a tough assault course session lasting almost two hours.

Under the guidance, encouragement and orders of Army PT instructors, Pools players completed the task, earning the respect of their peers.

“The whole thing here this week has brought them out of their shells. This time last season they were in Spain, sunning it and having a nice time. That’s not for me,’’ mused Moore as he cast an eye over his charges.

“We have worked hard at home, a good solid week, and now here this will push them on in more ways than one. They have been looked after really well and I don’t think you can get any better training than this.

“People might say it’s old school and all that, but the Army instructors and with the modern technology they have these days, they have been fantastic.

“They have been really good with us. Back in the day as a player I went to Aldershot barracks when I was playing with Tranmere, but this is a different level now.

“It’s mind-blowing. You want to pack in because it’s so hard, but you can’t and are encouraged by everyone shouting and geeing you up.

“It’s like holding onto a lead at the last minute, everyone will help you get over the line. Do that and you have a chance.

“It’s hard work, running with all the gear on – a helmet and boots and running through water.’’

With the players completing the obstacles in both groups and pairs, the idea is to bring the players together and foster a team spirit and unity which will be transferred to the pitch. At times it wasn’t there last season, especially prior to Moore’s arrival in mid-December.

Moore, who needs to appoint a new captain after Scott Flinders left the club, added: “Spirit and togetherness is so important. You need leaders, there’s a lot of leaders here now and people have come out of their shells. It’s hard to pick a captain as we have some good talkers here now.

“I never thought I’d be saying that because we were so quiet last season.’’

Moore has made eight new signings, the latest of them being winger Kudus Oyenuga, who was freed by Dundee United at the end of last season.

Of the 22-year-old former Tottenham prospect, Moore said: “He is very quick and bright, a wide man who can play left or right and up top. We need a couple of wingers, some experience in those areas. He became available, but we were lucky go get him in.

“We got nine out, eight in and I still want more. We want a winger to be able to give us more options.

“Jonathan Franks did really well for me, I was sorry to lose him. He was a big earner and we offered him less money and he turned it down which is his prerogative.

“He will be missed, but we hope he can be replaced.’’