Jack Hunter has expressed how he is ‘excited’ for a new era as Hartlepool United take on Altrincham in the Enterprise National League for the first home game of 2026
With the Club heading into their first Prestige Group Stadium fixture of the new ownership, Saturday’s clash feels like the beginning of a new era.
Hunter told the press: “It’s a new era for the Club.
“You can feel the excitement building, and obviously we know as players what it means to the fans this change, so hopefully this weekend can be like a new era and maybe kick start us and go from there.”
Reflecting on the Woking defeat, Hunter said:
“That performance was not acceptable, and as a Hartlepool team and a team that represents Feaths as a manager.
“We didn’t see it coming, but it’s down to us to put it right.
“We will give everything on Saturday to get a win and have an entertaining game for the fans.”
Hunter spoke on the players being aware of what Saturday means to the fans:
“It’s our job just to get on, no matter what happens at the Football Club.
“We are paid to play for the Club on a Saturday.
“But I think you’ve got to be in touch with what is going on.
“It’s important that we know that it means a lot to the fanbase.
“This is a new, fresh start, so yeah, everyone’s aware of it.
“We’ve seen things going around that it’s going to be a good atmosphere on Saturday, and hopefully we can help that by playing well.”
On the Club’s league position, Hunter said:
“It’s a strange one because I feel like since Feaths has come in, he’s made a massive impact. The place itself is a way better place.
“Obviously, we’re not where we want to be because we want to be in the play-offs.
“We’re not satisfied with where we are, but we are in a lot better place, and day-to-day, the work that we’re putting in on the training ground is to get to those play-offs where we want to be.”
On working under Nicky Featherstone, Hunter said:
“I think he’s been excellent.
“He and Elliott have both been great, and the atmosphere around the place has been good.
“We have a clear plan on the Saturday, and the trainings been good.
“He’s just been a breath of fresh air, and obviously Feaths knows this Club inside and out.
“He’s seen everything there is to be seen at this Football Club, and he’s kind of using that experience and passing it on to us.”
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Altrincham, and Tuesday’s fixture with Gateshead, Hunter said:
“They are important games, of course they are.
“We will be doing everything we can to take as many points as we can.
“We need to start winning games, we know that.”
