Will contenders for Pools job still fancy it?

The result was predictable as Hartlepool United slumped to their 15th game without a win watched by a clutch of managerial hopefuls, but the performance was again such that if any of the contenders fancied pulling out of the race, nobody would be really surprised.

Caretaker boss Micky Barron made four changes from the team humiliated in the FA Cup at Chesterfield at the weekend, but while Pools matched Tranmere for long spells, they didn’t have enough to prevent the visitors earning a win that took them back to the top of League One.

Ronnie Moore, in his second spell as manager of Rovers, has transformed the team from also rans to promotion contenders – the sort of transformation that might give Pools a chance of survival this season.

Watched by Phil Brown, Colin Cooper and Craig Short, Pools could perhaps consider offering the job to all three – it doesn’t look like a one-man task.

But at least for much of the game they restored some of their battered pride before Rovers snatched victory with an Andy Robinson penalty and a very late effort from Cole Stockton.

“We passed the ball well at times without having that killer edge to score,” Barron told the Northern Echo. “Second-half the momentum swung in their favour.

“It’s tough, we did play well first half and everyone could see that and appreciate it.

 “The reaction from Saturday was positive and the players showed character. They showed they do care and are fighting for the shirt and the club.

“One win is needed to lift us, but at times it seems a long way off. Where does it come from?

“Until we stop giving away two or three goals a game it’s going to be really tough.’’

It’s going to be tough all right, and the contenders who watched at the Vic on Wednesday night now know that for sure.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.