The ones that beat Sunderland - where are they now

By Albatross
December 30 2003

The one and only time Hartlepool United and Sunderland have met for a competitive fixture, Pools won. February 9th 1988, the Sherpa Van Trophy. Whatever happened to the set of likely lads that started the game? Some we all know about - one or two though seem to have vanished into the mists of time.

No.1: Kevin Carr
Former Newcastle and Carlisle Keeper, he made 40 appearances for Pools and was our regular keeper that season. Moved into non-league football with Blyth.
Last Seen: According to NUFC.com, he's now with Northumbria Police.

No.2: Tony Barrett
Formerly at Grimsby. After appearing more than 100 times for Pools, left at the end of that season. Went on to play - and indeed score against us - for York. After leaving there in 1995, he went on to Bishop Auckland.
Last Seen: Unknown

No.3: Rob McKinnon
Poolie Legend McKinnon - still possibly the best left back we've ever seen at Pools - was a big part of our promotion squad, went on to Motherwell, earned a couple of Scottish Caps, and then played for Twente in Holland and back in Scotland for Hearts - returning to Pools for a loan spell in 1999. He had a similar spell at Carlisle in 2000, helping to knock us out of the LDV, before finishing his senior playing career at Clydebank.
Last Seen: Joint manager of ambitious Scottish Junior (ie amateur) side Bellshill, also acting as a Players Agent and working in the family business.

No.4: Keith Nobbs
Another to continue playing for Pools during the Promotion Season, he eventually played 326 games before leaving in 1993 for Gateshead.
Last Seen: At present Keith is Football in the Community officer at Pools.

No.5: Tony Smith
Played over 180 games for Pools after joining from Halifax. Left in 1989 and joined Newcastle Blue Star.
Last Seen: Unknown

No.6: Paul Haigh
Former Hull player, Signed from Carlisle, 63 appearances for Pools before heading back to the Borders with Gretna. He was already an experienced Pro when he joined us, at the age of 29.
Last Seen: Unknown

No.7: Brian Honour
The hero that night, and one of our best-loved players - Jackie played in just over 300 league games for Pools, and if not for injury may have been challenging Watty Moore for the all-time appearance record. Was involved on the coaching side at Pools before the arrival of Chris Turner.
Last Seen: Currently manager of Bishop Auckland after a spell as boss of Durham City.

No.8: Andy Toman
Following a run-in with the fans, Toman left Pools at the end of that season and joined Darlington. After a successful spell at Feethams he played for Scunthorpe and Scarborough, and drifted into non-league football with the likes of Whitby.
Last Seen: Manager at Peterlee Newtown in the Northern League.

No.9: Paul Baker
Went on to be a big part of the Strike Force that took us to Promotion in 1990, before leaving for Motherwell; found his way back to Pools as Player/Coach in 1997 via Gillingham, York, Torquay and Scunthorpe. Left Pools in 1999 and spent a final season in the Pro game at Carlisle. He then moved into the non-league scene.
Last Seen: Currently Manager at Blyth Spartans, and also coaching at East Durham College. Has also been part of Newcastle's Academy setup.

No.10: John Tinkler
More than 200 appearances for Tinkler at Pools, he too played his part in the Promotion Season, and eventually moved on to Preston and Walsall before dropping into local non-league soccer. A bad injury while at Durham finally did for his footballing ambitions.
Last Seen: Involved in Road Maintenance, and living in Trimdon.

No.11: John Borthwick
Signed from Owton Manor Social Club(!), he somehow amassed over 100 appearances for Pools despite being legendary for his lack of pace and lack of goals (just better than 1 every 10 games!) Despite this, he had a successful spell with Darlington after leaving Pools with Pixie Toman. Played for Whitby for a spell.
Last Seen: Taking part in a charity game at Darlington Railway Athletic last season

Sunderland were having a successful season in the then Division 3, and their side included Nigerian International Reuben Agboola, future Darlo manager Gary Bennett, future Pools player and Boss John "Monty" MacPhail, Gordon Armstrong, ugly man and now professional leg end Eric Gates, and of course Mackems legend in the making and now Pools forward Marco Gabbiadini.

While it would be good to put one over on Sunderland again, times have changed considerably. Pools had been something of a joke side for years, while Sunderland had fallen on hard times but were on their way up again; it was a game that virtually no-one gave us a chance in, leading to Denis Smith's famous "Stigma" comment. Now, even many Sunderland fans give us a good chance to record a victory, Pools are on the up as we look like sustaining our recent successes for a fifth season on the spin, and we can even entertain hopes of making this fixture a more regular local derby within the next few seasons. If anything, all this does is make the achievement of John Bird's collection of freebie signings and young players all the more remarkable.