Q&A with Hartlepool United

1) So, how’s your season gone so far?

Not according to plan. We’ve got a very thin squad and, as we’ve shown recently, there’s no strength in depth. The club perhaps aren’t putting as much money in any more and we’re offering very few reasons to get fans enthused about the club at the minute.

2) Were you pleased with the appointment of Chris Turner?

I personally wasn’t bothered either way at the time but when it emerged that it’d be more than a few matches I was disappointed. The guy has had his chance as manager here and should stick to his behind the scenes role.

He’s been relegated at every other club he’s managed and that doesn’t fill me with confidence as we slowly slide towards the bottom 4. He’s here until the summer at present but I’d be surpirsed if that was it. To be honest, the place needs some fresh blood and new ideas and he’s not the man to offer them in my opinion.

3) Which player should we be looking out for from your Hartlepool side tomorrow night?

Joel Porter is an obvious threat but, if he recovers from injury, Ritchie Jones will be one to watch. He’s a great player but is vastly underrated by some of our fans. At the other end of the scale watch out for our keeper, Arran Lee-Barrett, he’s just awful. Can’t kick, can’t catch, has poor positional play and just doesn’t communicate with the defence.

4) Which teams have impressed you most so far this season?

It’s actually been you guys. I couldn’t make it to the Walkers earlier in the season but was very impressed in our Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game. You were just a cut above. Reminded me very much of QPR a few years back who just took the title without breaking sweat.

5) Which players in League One have impressed you most so far this season?

Obviously some of your players can easily play at a higher level; Fryatt and Oakley would sit comfortably in most Championship sides if I’m honest. Experienced players like Steve Howard and Dean Windass are always vital in this division and Leeds have some good young players coming through.

6) How long do you think you’ll be able to hold onto Joel Porter for? Could he cut it at a higher level?

He’s out of contract at the end of the season and I’m almost certain he’ll head back to Australia for a big pay day, and he deserves it. He’s been a true hero for us in the past few years and I wish we could keep hold onto him. It’s been unfortunate for him that he broke into the English game late (we signed him when he was about 26) because he could have played at a much higher level, and he’s been unfortunate with some really serious injuries too.

7) What are your realistic hopes for the future?

Survival is vital for us as a club this season. I don’t think we’ll go down but we need to appoint a good new manager in the summer, freshen up the squad and see where we can go from there.

8) Finally, match prediction?

An inevitable defeat. 3-1 to Leicester.

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Big thanks to PooliePoolie for his responses!