​New Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark says the buzz is back as he prepares for the new National League season.Clark was appointed in May in a busy summer at Victoria Park as Hartlepool rebuild under new American owner Landon Smith.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd after a brief spell in charge Rotherham United at the back end of last season for Clark, this is a first English pre-season for the 53-year-old since 2019.”I’ve loved it,” he told BBC Radio Tees.”About three days before the players were due back, my kitbag was packed at home, my coaching manuals, my boots, my trainers, everything was ready to go.”When I came in, that buzz again was brilliant. When you get that reaction from the players, it gives you a real excitement.”This will be Pools’ fourth season in the National League since they were relegated from the EFL in 2023.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey have finished 12th, 11th and ninth in those three previous campaigns but there is real optimism about this one for Pools challenging for a play-off spot after a busy summer of player recruitment, which has been matched by strong season-ticket sales.”It’s been a tough few years for the fans and we want to try and give them a team they can be proud of,” said Clark.”I’ve been around this club when it’s been successful and I’ve seen the support the fans can drive if they’re given something to shout about.”The number of season tickets sold shows they’re buying into it. We want to given them an opportunity when they can be excited about coming to the game.”