Jeff Stelling slams Hartlepool’s title odds – gives verdict on how other teams will do

The new 2019/20 season is quickly approaching and it won’t be too long before we see Jeff Stelling back on our screens presenting Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.

However he’s been left reeling after learning of his side Hartlepool United’s National League title odds, calling it ‘ludicrous’.

Pools are 25/1 to become the new champions, with the bookmakers naming fourteen teams with more chance at winning the title and eight sides below Hartlepool less likely to do so, according to Sky Bet.

In his Non-League Papercolumn, he said: ““25/1 for Hartlepool United to win the National League is ludicrous!

“I’m not saying we’re going to top the table come the end of April, but we can’t be that much of an outsider.

“Famous last words, but the league looks more open this coming season. Leyton Orient and Salford City have gone up and some of the clubs who’ve had money in the past don’t seem to have what they had.

“There are decent sides coming up.

“I’m sure Stockport County are going to be a force to be reckoned with and Torquay United, under Gary Johnson, likewise.

“Notts County are coming down and I’ve seen they’re favourites with one bookmaker. I wish them luck, but put it this way, I wouldn’t be backing them. Not with their recent record and we all know what can happen to the big clubs when they come down.

“We found it incredibly difficult – Leyton Orient did initially, as did Chesterfield last season.

“The usual suspects will inevitably be up there. The Wrexhams of this world and I’ve got no doubt Chesterfield will be strong. But seven places to aim for gives you a cracking chance if you get off to a decent start. It’s going to be really interesting.”