Scott under attack: What's gone wrong?

By Albatross
September 3 2005

Who would be Martin Scott at the moment? After defeat against Yeovil, there are plenty of disgruntled fans at Hartlepool United and he's the target: sadly there seems to be good reason. He needs to turn things round in double-quick time.

So what is going wrong at Pools so far this season? Unsurprisingly there are plenty of people looking to point the finger, and most are looking at Martin Scott. It seems incredible to say that after just eight games of the season our manager is under pressure, but that's exactly what's happening.

The problem for Scott is that all roads lead towards him and there are few arguments that can be erected in his defence. He was the man of choice after our Playoff Final agony; while one or two had concerns, the majority were very happy to see some continuity. The players that have left have been limited to Chris Westwood, and arguably Jack Ross although it was clear he wouldn't be at Vic Park this season a long time ago. While some managers may mutter about a lack of backing, Pools have been one of a handful of clubs at this level to lay out a transfer fee, and the players we've bought in have been ones that few or no fans could argue with in terms of quality: Darren Williams is still under 30 and has plenty of higher level experience, Lee Bullock was a player in demand not too long ago, Michael Proctor is known as a dangerous marksman in the lower divisions and Chris Llewellyn has played in full internationals as well as in Division 1 with Norwich. Even so, although they may as individuals be good signings, collectively there are questions to be asked - like where is the Right-sided Midfielder we've needed for so long for starters. Instead we almost seem to have too many forwards and attacking central midfielders, and a headache in terms of how to keep them all happy.

So the squad is largely the same or arguably stronger; the board have shown plenty of backing; all should be rosy in the garden. It's no surprise to see that our failure so far this season (and by the standards of recent seasons this does qualify as failure) is being laid firmly at the door of Scott. There were rumblings before; a defeat and less than impressive performance against the bottom side in the division has seen those turn into a roar. We have every reason to expect better than has been served up so far this season. Players are performing well below their best; tactics aren't working; we have people out of position or apparently unsure of where and how they should be playing throughout the side.

His post-match interview on Pools World reveals a man that looks hunted, talking of a lack of confidence and commitment; well, that's when a manager is really supposed to earn his corn, kicking some backsides, changing things around, and giving them the determination to go out and prove all of the terrace critics wrong. It's already too late to bring in new faces, at least until the transfer window re-opens; if Scotty is to prove that he really does have what it takes to be a quality football manager, then he has to start right now. I hope that he does; but Football is a cruel business, and unless things make a change for the better and quickly then he risks becoming a mere footnote in the history of Hartlepool United.