Pools aim to finish season on a high
Adam Boyd - promise
By Charlie Summerbell
April 13 2011
Not too many years ago, facing the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton and Charlton in three of their last five games of the season would have sent shivers of fear down the spines of Hartlepool United players and fans alike. But times change, and having clinched League One safety, Pools have little to fear as they see out their middle-of-the-table season.
With memories of their promotion play-off final defeat at the hands of Wednesday in Cardiff still fresh, despite the fact that it was almost six years ago, Pools start their last five with a visit to Hillsborough on Saturday.
The under-performing Owls are four points behind Pools in the table and still not sure of safety. Another alleged big club, Charlton Athletic, where Pools finish their season at the beginning of May, are only ahead of them on goal difference, though Southampton are second top and desperate to clinch the second automatic promotion spot behind Brighton.
Pools go there later this month, while the other two remaining games are at home to Tranmere, who are not safe yet, and at home to Bournemouth, who have slipped lately but are still in the play-off zone.
So it’s hardly an easy run-in for Mick Wadsworth and his players, though the boss could be boosted by a promise from Adam Boyd that he will sore a goal a game in the rest of the season.
It’s the sort of promise Boyd hasn’t been able to make earlier because he’s spent most of the campaign either injured or on the bench, but he certainly took his goal in last weekend’s home win over Yeovil well, a typical Boyd finish.
Wadsworth has promised a rethink on his squad during the summer, and there could be some surprises in his retained list as he appears to be intent on cutting the number of senior pros on the clubs books, and increasing the number of younger players.
But before that, there’s the matter of five remaining games and starting at Wednesday, Wadsworth will be demanding that his players finish the season on a high to put memories of their frustrating, see-saw campaign behind them.