Cooper's second reign starts with defeat

Hartlepool United fans who wanted Neale Cooper to be given the manager's job will claim that wishes can come true. But it looks as if there are no such things as miracles.

A one-sided 3-1 defeat in his first game in charge at Sheffield United started Cooper's comeback badly and  ended 2011 on a sorry note, but at least it showed the new boss what is needed.

With top scorer James Poole ruled out before the kick-off through injury, Pools were behind from early on, 3-0 down at half-time and even their consolation goal, scored by Peter Hartley, came in added time.

Just by looking at the Pools home record of eight defeats on the trot, Cooper knew he had work to do. Watching this game proved it as Danny Wilson’s team won more easily than the score suggests.

It was Micky Barron’s last game in charge, Cooper quite rightly leaving the reins in his hands, but the new boss will take full control for Monday’s home game with Scunthorpe.

Barron told the club website: “In the first half we just weren’t anywhere near close enough to them. We gave them too much time on the ball and the goals were poor.

“Second half there was an improvement. I was happy with the goal at the end because I think we probably deserved it, but we had to rely on Scott Flinders to make some good saves as well.

“We can’t dwell too much on it, because we have to look forward to the game with Scunthorpe and hopefully get a positive result.”

The positive note for Barron is Cooper’s return. He said: “It’s great, already he’s brought a little buzz around the place and obviously the players get a lift when a new manager comes in. He’s good to have around and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Hopefully tha buzz will be turned into a win on Monday.