THE one printed in The Journal every Monday morning is not the only league table Hartlepool United have made great strides in this season.

Going into October fourth in League One, Mick Wadsworth’s side have made the now-annual predictions of relegation look as ill-informed as they were. The key can be found in a rather less important table.

In four seasons back in the third tier, the Teessiders have always finished in the bottom three for attendances. Now they are in the top half.

Putting more than 2,000 onto last season’s average gate has been more than a means to an end. It is a lesson others ought to take note of. Lots of others.

Cutting season-ticket prices to £100 provided 4,000 were sold was a masterstroke. Five thousand seven hundred were bought and although not all are used every week – the average crowd is 5,292 – the effect has been felt.

Quite apart from the added volume at Victoria Park and the extra bits and bobs bought there, the lift in the mood has been palpable.