The Iron’s latest recruit Reagan Ogle is looking forward to a whirlwind week ahead as he links up with the side a week prior to the start of the season.
Joining in time to feature in United’s final pre-season friendly away at Farsley Celtic on Saturday, the Australian is going to use the time he has on and off the pitch in the next seven days to get to know his teammates ahead of the Vanarama National League opener against Yeovil Town next week.
Speaking after joining the club, he told Iron Player: “Brilliant. I’m really happy to be here, to get it over the line and be here before the first game of the season.
“I’m glad (to be here now). I’ll hopefully get a game tomorrow, meet all the lads, build a relationship with them and move from there with a good week of training heading into the first game.
“You don’t want to be going into the first game not knowing how everyone plays, so it’s important to be here.”
Reflecting on his pre-season with Hartlepool United so far, Ogle has been involved with the side throughout, and is hoping to use his preparations for the new campaign in transition to his new team.
“It’s been good. I’ve got good minutes, so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go,” he stated.
“I had a good chat with the gaffer and Tony (McMahon) and their pitch to me was that they’re looking to bounce back into the league and throwing everything at it.
“I thought it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
With a number of loan spells away from Accrington Stanley - the club he came through youth ranks with - the 23-year-old has experience of this division, and the one either side.
He now feels he’s at the best place to press on with his career and get a consistent run of games.
“It’s been stop-start in terms of minutes on a regular basis, but that’s why I’m here,” he continued.
“I’m hoping to change that and get a run of games going. That’s what I wanted, and that’s what we spoke about when I was coming in. I want to make it my spot and go from there.
“It’s been on and off for a couple of weeks, but in the last week it’s happened quite quickly. We got it over the line relatively easy and quickly.”
With the vacant number two jersey now filled, there’s been no secret in the desire for Keith Hill to bring in a right-back.
Ogle gave an insight as to what fans should expect from him this season.
“I’m very athletic, quick and strong and like to put in a tackle,” he stated.
“I’ll help everyone out where I can. Experience is very good at the back here, and that’s what you need. It’s a tough, strong league and we’ve got to make sure that we are on our game week-in, week-out.
“Personally, I want to stay fit all season, get a good run of games - play well first and foremost.
“I can’t wait. I wish (the first league game of the season) was tomorrow, but we will have a good lead up to the game and go from there.”