da dobrowin：
da bet7k： No one, particularly thought that the little town from the North-East by the coastline would have done quite so well as they have this season. Every season the club manage to stave off relegation by the skin of their teeth just about managing to keep their heads above water. It is because of this many people right them off and always before a ball is kicked at the start of the season, ‘Pools’ are favourites to be relegated.
Under manager Mick Wadsworth though, the club had a great first season finishing in 16th last season in League 1. This campaign also started brightly and the club had put themselves in great position going into the festive period. A string of bad results were to follow and the unfortunate Wadsworth was relieved of his duties. The club were still in a decent position, however, clear of any trouble and not too far from the top half either. The board felt it was time for alteration and a change in personnel they introduced.
In to fill the vacant role as manager came former boss Neale Cooper. A massive fans favourite and one of Hartlepool’s most successful managers ever was reappointed to help steer the club in the right direction. The rest as they say, is history and here we are today with ‘Pools’ sitting 12th with 37 points off the back of a four match unbeaten streak.
A renewed sense of optimism is back amongst fans as the club look to progress. Cooper has stated he is happy with his current squad. Choosing not to bring in anyone in the passing transfer window and releasing the likes of ageing player Nolberto Solano, has shown that he wants to make his mark on the side straight away.
The question still remains, can Hartlepool push for the play offs? If you had asked that a few weeks back the answer you would have been given would be no. This is fine, and most fans are delighted just to have consistency each season staying in League 1, as I have already explained for such a small club this is normally acceptable. Now, I’m not so sure if fans are just happy to accept this.
The board have shown their hand in replacing a manager who no doubt in everyone’s mind had them easily safe from relegation. Thus sending out a message to the fans that they weren’t prepared to settle for any less than a top half finish every season, so why should they? The decision’s they have made, they may live to regret, but for now with some good fixtures coming up the club may just have a shout of finishing high up this season and sneaking into the play offs.
By John Mason
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