Ben Killip has revealed that the die-hard Pools fans who travelled to Braintree Town on a Tuesday night last season left a lasting impression and were a key factor behind his move to the Club.
The 6ft 2ins England C ace checked-in at The Super 6 Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, completing the paperwork on his move to the North-East.
And the 23-year-old has admitted that the astonishing travelling support for our midweek draw at Braintree’s Cressing Road last August was in his mind as he signed the contract.
“We played against Chesterfield and Barnet, and that was good – but this was a Tuesday night, it’s Hartlepool, I didn’t know much about the league and then they had 500 fans down there,” he told Pools PlayerHD.
“I just remember thinking to myself ‘how big is this club for them to come here on a Tuesday night?’ – I mean, it’s a five or six-hour drive.
“That was massive for me because I like to play for a club where there are good fans because they really back you and it pushes the team on.”
Killip was announced as the Club’s new Number One following confirmation that Scott Loach was to move on to pastures new at the end of his contract this summer.
Boss Craig Hignett and Goalkeeper Coach Ross Turnbull have moved quickly to source a highly-rated replacement, even putting in the miles to make sure they landed their target.
“It’s a great feeling to feel wanted and I think that’s one of the things that attracted me,” said Killip.
“The Manager and Ross both travelled to London to see me – that meant a lot to me and showed they wanted me so ever since that meeting I knew this was the right place for me.
“The way they sold the Club, it was a no-brainer for me really. I’m delighted to be here.
“I didn’t want to rush anything and I wanted to make sure I got the right thing for me and the best place – and I think in Hartlepool United I have definitely got that.
“At first, I was thinking to myself that I didn’t want to move away from London but as soon as this came up I couldn’t wait to get away, move up here, start training and play football again.
“It’s a great set-up for me to go and thrive, do well and hopefully help the Club get promoted.”
We’ve made Ben Killip’s first video interview free to view for all fans so simply click above to watch.