Chief Executive Russ Green has today admitted his disappointment that the weekend's Centenary Tournament did not go as well as had been hoped.

The two-day competition was organised as a way for the fans and Club to celebrate 100 years of football for Hartlepool United but the event was poorly attended on both Saturday and Sunday.

"The fans who came seemed to enjoy themselves, but the turnout was certainly disappointing," Green conceded.

"Organising such an event is not a small operation and we had hoped that it would attract a far greater number of supporters and be a fitting way to start our Centenary celebrations.

"Since the weekend we've received many emails of congratulations from visiting fans who enjoyed their trip to The Vic - but we also acknowledge the negative feedback received.

"Personally, I felt the teams that competed ensured that the tournament was a very tightly-contested affair - and this made for four very entertaining games of football.

"We did make prolonged efforts to attract at least one major European side to be involved - but unfortunately both SV Hamburg and SK Brann notified us that they were unable to attend and alternative arrangements had to be sought.

"Last pre season we brought Louis van Gaal's AZ Alkmaar to Victoria Park but this was also poorly attended and we will certainly have to think hard about our plans for next pre season.

"In the end, I felt Hamilton Academical were worthy winners of the Wilton Cup - and I'm sure the lively group of fans they brought with them would agree!

"Following lengthy internal discussions we also felt the pricing structure (which worked out as little as £2 per game) was also fair for the weekend but this is something we will look at again in any future plans of this nature.

"Finally, I'd like to thank all fans for their ongoing support as we look forward to the new season which is now less than two weeks away."