Desire in abundance? Pull the other one, Chris
Lidds - facing charge
By Charlie Summerbell
April 11 2010
The unhappy knack Hartlepool United have always had for dropping themselves in it even when they seem to be going well is still alive and well. Not content with rediscovering their poorest form at struggling Wycombe after two back-to-back wins, Pools have been slapped with FA charges after fielding a player they shouldn’t have in Easter Monday win over Brighton.
And at a time when they are desperate for every one they can get, that could even result in them being docked points.
Gary Liddle, scorer of two goals in the win at Leyton Orient two days before, picked up his tenth booking of the season in that game and should have been suspended against Brighton.
But Pools thought the suspension didn’t start until the Wycombe game, and Liddle was one of the stars in the win over Brighton at the Vic.
Not only are they poor on the pitch, judging by this error they don’t appear to be too well organised off it, either.
Against Wycombe they were poor all game, failing to produce a threat of a goal as the home team dominated throughout.
On Thursday Chris Turner was quoted in the Northern Echo as saying: “This squad has desire in abundance and they have only let us down three times all season.”
Well, make that four Chris - desire in abundance was not on show at Wycombe, unless we are talking about the home team.
The estimate of only letting themselves down three times before Saturday was a very generous one, and we reckon it’s nearer double figures – how else can you explain how a team with desire in abundance is still struggling near the foot of the table?
Other results went their way on Saturday, with Southend, Tranmere and Gillingham all losing and Exeter and Orient drawing with each other.
Despite their defeat, Pools are four points ahead of the bottom four and Stockport, relegated after losing at home to Yeovil, are at the Vic on Tuesday night - and that really is a must-win game.
Liddle – who has also been charged by the FA – is suspended again and with the possibility of being docked points hanging over them, Pools can’t afford any more slip-ups.
They’ve made themselves look mugs off and on the pitch, now it’s time to prove all the talk about before better than that has some truth in it.If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
I would be gutted if we were relegated by say 2 points and were deducted 3 points for playing Liddle when he was under suspension.
Professional or what?
Hopefully this will inspire the lads to dig in in the face of adversity.