Hughes guiding Pools no-hopers into promised land

Whether Hartlepool United avoid the big drop or not, John Hughes deserves the freedom of the town for the minor miracle he has performed at Victoria Park.

He has transformed a club which, when he took over, was in the depths of despair, bottom of League One, playing badly, getting bad results and certainties for relegation.

Now Pools are unbeaten in seven games, have climbed off the foot of the table and are just six points from safety. It’s a big gap to close, but it’s a great deal smaller than it was.

He says he doesn’t want the curse of the February manager of the moth award, but he must be the favourite for it after guiding the no-hopers into such a good run, culminating in a 3-0 home win over Crewe.

Yet there are some numpties amongst Pools "fans" who don't have time for the new boss.

Relegation rivals Scunthorpe, Bury and Colchester all won, too, but Hughes told the Northern Echo: “Results went against us, but I’m not worried about that and I’ve told my players that. Look after ourselves, keep the run going and what will happen will happen.

“Keep winning and picking up points. Listen, what does it matter? We were down at Christmas – look at what the boys have done.

“Every one of them has been remarkable, I can only thank them for their efforts. Who knows where we will be, but keep going like that we have a chance.’’

Pools went for Crewe like terriers, playing the sort of non-stop football that will frighten more teams in  what’s left of the season.

The impressive Charlie Wyke scored the first and soon after the break Jonathan Franks added a second as Crewe were blown away, keeper Steve Phillips – lucky to be on after a first-half foul the ref missed – keeping the score down.

Andy Monkhouse, an early sub for the injured Simon Walton, got the third late on and Hughes added: “There’s been a big turnaround – it’s promotion form and long may it continue. The performances are putting pride back into the town.

“The commitment was there again, you have to show a character and have a willingness to win - game in, game out.

“I’ve only come here to help the guys, all credit goes to them. There was many man of the match tonight, but the performance of big Sam Collins and Richie Humphreys, two of our older players, was different class.

“Experience can go a long way.

“I’m delighted to get three goals, it’s great for the fans and they all go home happy.’’

They certainly will.

Away to Doncaster on Saturday is a different challenge, but on this form Pools need fear no team.