All quiet on the Hartlepool United front?

By Albatross
June 9 2003

It's almost a case of "All Quiet on the Western Front" at Hartlepool United at the moment. There's news of a fashion - and good news at that - but the important announcement about the new Manager is not forthcoming. How long can we afford to wait?

At the moment it almost feels like a case of "nothing to report" at Hartlepool United. The club is still being very tight-lipped about Newell's departure - though Newell himself seems keen to say that it's still a mystery to him. There's even talk of the League Managers Association getting involved, though as Newell was at the end of his fixed-term contract it's unlikely he'll get much joy from a "wrongful dismissal" claim. In the meantime, the Luton Chief Executive designate John Gurney has told the BBC Website that Newell has been suggested as a possible candidate in the "fans vote" for the club's new manager.

There's no official word on the new manager at Pools either. Bryan Robson has apparently confirmed that he's interested, and joins Martin Scott, Colin Todd and David Hodgson as names who have apparently put their names forward. It looks almost certain that Chris Waddle has also applied - he's shown interest in a lot of jobs recently, and it would be strange if he hadn't gone for it.

On the good news front though, Pools have set a new record for Season Ticket sales, with something over 1700 being sold by the end of the discount period on Friday. Last year's figure was more than 200 less - for a season where promotion was always going to be the aim. To have increased the sales for the coming season is a remarkable achievement - especially when you consider that no-one currently knows who will be in charge next year!

The need for a manager to be appointed is gradually being highlighted as other clubs approach players. One of the latest stories is that Southend United are after goalkeeper Rhys Evans - capped by England at u21 level but released by Chelsea - and Kiddy forward Drewe Broughton, mentioned as a possible target for Pools last month. Rushden have already signed Rodney Jack, and from this point onwards there will be more and more transfers. We can't afford to spend too much longer without someone in the hotseat, and I would hope that we get an announcement later this week or early next. The next few weeks can have a biog influence on the shape of our squad for next season; but we need someone there to make those fottballing decisions, and the sooner the better.