Pools face string of long League One journeys
By Clarence Rode
May 24 2009
Hartlepool United’s players and fans are going to be sick of the site of the A19 by the time next season is over, with the team facing arguably more miles on England’s roads than in their history. it's going to be an expensive season for the club, with more miles and more hotel bills, and for the travelling fans.
Scunthorpe’s League One play-off win over Millwall robbed Pools of the prospect of something like a derby match against the Iron next season.
But as it is, their shortest journey for League One games will be to Carlisle, with other “derby” matches at Leeds and Huddersfield not much further away.
After that, though, clubs like Stockport, Oldham and Tranmere are beginning to look like neighbours, and even a visit to MK Dons at least spares the travellers from the M25.
Next season’s fixtures, with (very) approximate mileages are:
Brentford – 500 miles
Brighton – 600 miles
Bristol Rovers – 600 miles
Carlisle – 150 miles
Charlton - 500 miles
Colchester - 500 miles
Exeter - 700 miles
Gillingham – 500 miles
Huddersfield – 150 miles
Leeds – 150 miles
Leyton O – 500 miles
Millwall – 500 miles
MK Dons - 400 miles
Norwich – 500 miles
Oldham 250 miles
Southampton – 600 miles
Southend – 600 miles
Stockport – 250 miles
Swindon – 600 miles
Tranmere - 300 miles
Walsall – 400 miles
Wycombe – 500 miles
Yeovil – 700 miles
Thank goodness Torquay, Swansea and Plymouth aren’t in League One.
We’ll probably draw them in the cup.