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The follow up match to the big win, away to Lincoln proved to be massively anticlimactic, as the hosts were in complete charge - like they had been in Division 3 meetings, winning comfortably 3-0 with only McInnes and Moran coming away from the game with any credit - but instead of being furious with the side, they hadn't actually been complacent - he accepted it. The side were 5th in the side, easily playing above expectations.

There was some complacency, however, shown early on in the FA Cup clash with Barnet as the lower league side were the brighter initially, even taking a shock lead through Jason Yates, and were it not for a half time equaliser from Ola Broden, they may have taken a draw from the match, but as it was the goal revitalised the hosts and after the break they swiftly broke the away sides' spirit as Mike Trought nodded in to make it 2-1 and before Barnet could mount a serious response, the skilful Ola Broden made it 3-1. it was one way traffic from there on end, and sub James Moran had two goals chalked off, one for offside and another for an infringement on their goalkeeper but safe passage to the second round was secure.

Martin, Kev and Ryan were all watching the draw for the next round come in, placing bets on who they'd get.

"Well I think we can assume we'll get a home draw lads?"

"Shut up Kev, I bet you've jinxed that!"

"Balls to that, well my money's on getting Windsor and Eton - we've been lucky so far."

"If you insist Kev, what about you Martin?"

"Yeah another home tie, probably against half decent opponents like Swansea or Rotherham - either way a good chance to get to the third round. And you?"

"Not saying, though I fancy we'll have a tricky away match... anyway they've started calling numbers now - let's see who we get..."

(TV Announcer: " And that's Millwall or Burnley at home to no 23... Hartlepool! Millwall or Burnley against Hartlepool...")

"Bugger."

"Damn"

"Told you so. Looks like I win then eh? So tomorrow then...Kev, you've got the fitness work, Martin the warm ups and training, and I'll finish off reffing the inter squad match, see you later!" [/i]

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Next up in the league it was a chance for revenge against Oldham , the side who'd knocked Hartlepool out of the FA Cup last time around. This time the Latics were having a tough old time of it, propping up the league and on a freefall, bereft of luck. However, they still had a pacy attack with Kanoute and Luis Boa Morte in their side and in fairness they were the better side in the first half, troubling the defence and Tony Williams who'd earned a re-call to the side for the match. Luck was not on the visitors side despite twice deservedly taking the lead. McInnes equalised the first, and then deep into first half stoppage time, Rob Hulse made it 2 and even Ryan felt for Oldham.

The second half was a more even affair as Hartlepool learned to cope with their opponents pace. As the hosts began to accept a fair draw, Rob Hulse nicked it right iin the final minute of the game with a solo effort and all Ryan could think was [i"] poor bastards, Oldham" [/i] However the win was enjoyed too - it would be a lie to deny that as it kept the side firmly in the play-off spots.

Ahead of the trip to Preston , one of the few sides ahead of Ryan's men at the present time, the club also learned Millwall would be their FA Cup opponents, the second round match the first of December, and that was always decent news. Now though the final match of a thus far enjoyable November was upon them and 100% from all the players would have been needed for a result. They almost pulled off a remarkable comeback too following a spirited second half display but the damage had been done in the first half. After Harry Chipmonk ruled Rob Hulse's goal to be offside, Preston typically scored immediately, and it cued a chaotic spell when Hartlepool's defence seemed to take a holiday to god knows where, and at 3-0 down the result seemed set.

However, in the second half, following a rocket up the arse from Ryan, the side improved dramatically, with James Moran reducing the deficit after 15 minutes or so, and then Alan Mahon made it an exceptionally tight finish with thunderbolt on 75 minutes. Chances came and went but just like Paul Furlong's 90th minute header it was a case of so close, but yet so far.

Results:

Hartlepool 5 Wrexham 0 (Cooke 14, Dinning 25, Moran 29, 57, Reid 68)
Lincoln 3 Hartlepool 0 (Alexander 16, Taylor 28, Huxford 73)
FAC1 Hartlepool 3 Barnet 1 (Broden 45, 62, Trought 52; Yates 27)
Hartlepool 3 Oldham 2 (McInnes 12, Hulse 45, 90; Sheridan 5, Kanoute 38)
Preston 3 Hartlepool 2 (Chrzan 31, Gunnlaugsson 34, 40; Moran 62, Mahon 74)

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December 2002

Optimism was still high in the camp despite the loss to Preston ahead of the month's first fixture - a trip to the infamous New Den to play Millwall in the FA Cup second round, a match that Ryan was eager to win, but their hosts weren't as accommodating this time round as they had been when they'd contended a League Cup spot, and in fact they deserved their half time lead as Hartlepool were struggling to get a grip on the game, and a killer second extinguished their hopes in the second half. Tony Dinning found a consolation late on but it was a disappointed side that trudged off the damp pitch at the end of the game, as an exit heralded the end of another cup run.

Soon after there was the chance to resurrect another one as the Autowindscreen's 1st round got under way, but Ryan wasn't overly interested by Scarborough's visit, as a side full of youngsters took to the field. However it seemed their conference opponents didn't give a monkey's about the match either, as an easy as you like 3-0 victory was played out in front of a meagre 995 crowd. David Young, Endre Hansen and James Bishop of course did their first team chances no harm by playing well and scoring the goals, but really Ryan just wanted to rest his main stars for what counted - the league.

With football the focus during December a usual priority, the next fixture soon arrived without incident as the 15th best home side took on the 3rd best away side, or to put it another way, Hartlepool were off to mid table Rotherham for the first league encounter of the months. James Bishop was swannying off in the States but otherwise it was a strong side that took to the field. Lax defending at the beginning of both halves cost Hartlepool a real chance at 3 points though as an otherwise solid effort saw James Moran score a quick fire brace before the break in a 2-2 draw.

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Clearly there was little wrong in the side's attacking prowess but gaps in the defence were being to occur on an all too regular frequency, and Martin and Kevin reckoned that either a new tactic was tested out or a switching or ditching of personnel. One of those under the spotlight was first team goalkeeper Jorg Kaessmann - in spite of the fact he already had 4 Man of the Match awards to his name this season. Ryan had secured one signing - a bosman in the form of out of favour Tranmere defender Steve Morrow but the concern was clearly about the hear and now. The side had earned their place in the top 6 this season, so there was no reason why, at almost the half way stage in the campaign Hartlepool couldn't mount a successive promotion challenge.

Gary McAllister was replaced by Tony Dinning on the shortest day of the year as the side travelled to Crewe for game 22 of the season, and yet again Hartlepool were slow off the blocks as Crewe established a 2-0 lead before half time - despite not really deserving to be in that situation. James Moran and Alan Mohan were struggling to find the target with their shots, and the latter was substituted. Ola Broden came on and his presence aided the recovery. Terry Cooke brought the game alive with 20 minutes to go from a Rob Hulse through ball, and just when the continuous pressure looked to have failed Broden crossed and Hulse scored against his former employers. A well earned point, but again the seeds of frustration were growing as a few errors were costing the side more points.

"Well Happy Christmas guys, here are your drinks, I hope all is well with you..."

" Indeed they are thank you Ryan, the album is almost completed now and we're hoping to peddle it fairly soon as soon as we come up with even a half decent name. "

"Good luck with that! Anyway Ry, fishing's all good, there's been some good catches recently - but like Bry, I'm thinking I want a career change - something more in land - maybe even on land would be good!"

"A new years resolution eh? Well that's all good to hear. I trust you'll be around for our Boxing Day fixture as - hallelujah - it's a home match. Chesterfield are visiting."

"Oh aye, we'll be there Ryan - don't you worry about that. Cheering on for another win - you surprised by how it's going for you?"

"Maybe a little - but with the summer sales we've had the funds to bring in quality and quality wins you games. McInnes has been fantastic for us - Cooke's now playing how I know he can, Rob Hulse is getting the goals, we've got a great centre half pairing in Reid and Trought. The when the youngsters like Moran and Broden do a good job we've always got a chance."

"Aye, that Moran kid - quite a talent there?"

"Indeed - his finishing his clinical - I really don't know how far he can progress but while he's banging them in, I'll play him with confidence."

"With decent cover is promotion realistic you think?"

"I'll go for it Geoff- you have to aim high - anyway we've come this far so why not I say?"

"Fair point fair point, let's see what happens tomorrow then!"

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On Boxing Day it was a veritable relief not to be waking at dawn for a change, and the players certainly appreciated that, but the extra lie in seemed to effect their start once more as Chesterfield stole a massively undeserved lead through Chris Watkins, but mercifully the hosts responded quickly and Endre Hansen headed in an Ola Broden cross. After that it was a case of being patient and waiting for a chance to come, and in the second half the winner did arrive to the merry delight of the fans as James Moran scored his 10th goal of the season from a Broden through ball with 8 minutes remaining.

The high spirits were deflated a little by the match two days later away to Brentford as a sucker punch goal at the death robbed Hartlepool of 3 more points, though i truth it was the least the home side's pressure warranted after David Dunn had handed the away side a first half lead. The lead could have been extended, but the struggling Paul Furlong, back from injury was rather impotent up front and punishment was duly handed out by Lloyd Owusu at the death. However with the club in 5th at the new year, there was definitely a great deal to be positive about going into 2003.

Results:

FAC2Millwall 2 Hartlepool 1 (Robberts 34, Harris 67; Dinning 82)
AUTO1 Hartlepool 3 Scarborough 0 (Young 34, Hansen 48, Bishop 78)
Rotherham 2 Hartlepool 2 (Dodd 2, Robinson 51; Moran 34,40)
Crewe 2 Hartlepool 2 (Frost 4 Smith 31; Cooke 73, Hulse 90)
Hartlepool 2 Chesterfield 1 (Hansen 64, Moran 81; Watkins 52)
Brentford 2 Hartlepool 1 (Owusu 90,; Dunn25)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * English Second Division - Saturday 28th December 2002********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Notts C 24 8 4 1 21 13 6 5 0 12 3 51 2nd Wolves 24 9 3 0 29 9 5 4 3 20 19 49 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Preston 24 9 1 2 26 10 5 4 3 16 14 47 4th Burnley 25 5 6 3 23 19 4 4 3 15 19 37 5th Hartlepool 24 5 2 4 22 18 5 4 4 21 18 36 6th Orient 24 5 7 0 27 12 3 4 5 13 13 35 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7th Wycombe 24 5 2 4 26 21 5 3 5 22 17 35 8th Oxford 26 7 1 5 22 14 2 7 4 24 26 35 9th Cambridge Utd 24 8 1 2 24 8 2 4 7 15 25 35 10th Chesterfield 24 8 2 3 23 13 1 4 6 12 21 33 11th Brentford 24 6 4 3 24 19 3 2 6 19 24 33 12th Rotherham 24 5 4 3 15 12 4 1 7 13 19 32 13th Millwall 24 7 5 1 22 11 1 2 8 11 22 31 14th Port Vale 24 2 8 1 14 13 4 5 4 14 20 31 15th Lincoln 24 6 3 2 22 14 2 4 7 13 27 31 16th Wrexham 24 5 4 2 21 16 3 3 7 18 35 31 17th Crewe 24 4 7 2 21 19 2 4 5 13 18 29 18th Scunthorpe 24 5 2 4 20 17 3 2 8 11 19 28 19th Rochdale 24 5 2 4 18 14 1 6 6 16 27 26 20th Northampton 24 5 4 5 21 24 1 4 5 11 18 26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21st Bristol R 24 4 3 6 13 18 2 4 5 16 20 25 22nd Reading 25 4 3 6 15 13 3 0 9 15 29 24 23rd Kidderminster 24 2 6 4 17 20 1 6 5 12 21 21 24th Oldham 24 2 5 3 15 17 2 3 9 12 27 20 </pre>

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January 2003

The new year began in fortunate fashion as the side squeezed past Bristol Rovers at Victoria Park by a goal to nil, and even that was an own goal from David Hillier. However their were pleasing performances and having escaped Tony Sheridan's offside goal in the 89th minute, the side moved up to fourth in the table, to the nervous satisfaction of the staff.

With such obvious goal scoring problems it was no surprise that Ryan hit the loan market in an chance to bring in new blood, but it took a while with many Premiership sides not willing to negotiate with the club, but eventually 21 year old Scott Rickards arrived from Ipswich on a short term loan, and his ability would hopefully complement the side's front line and take the pressure away from the existing strikers somewhat.

He made his debut at Wycombe, but the side's luck run out as though Rob Hulse scored his 10th league goal of the season, the home side came back and clinical finishing saw justice reign in this match as Ryan knew he had problems with his front line. Jorg Kaessmann had only been able to provide the heroics for so long, but now it was important not to dwell on such a result, and look forward to picking up the pieces on the training ground.

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" Formation change Ryan?"

"I think so - we're too narrow at the moment, and with Alan and Terry both able wingers I really don't think we're utilising their talents as best be could. I think a flat 4 with Terry and Alan pushing forward would do well - with Gary Mac and Derek in the centre providing the meat. We'll still create chances..."

"Not a bad idea, worth trying out at least. Anyway, I have some thoughts - what about Paul Furlong?"

"It's not working Kev, I know - but after his efforts last year, I'll keep faith with him. He won't start a while but I won't panic sell him just yet, our finances aren't too bad for now - and his experience is handy - many of the young kids like to work with him..."

"I've noticed that too."

"Aye Martin. Anyway, I don't want to offload anyone just yet - we're going to need competition in the squad if we're to maintain our standings in the league - I don't to be labelled a bunch of pretenders at the end of the year."

"We won't Ry, you've got it pretty good so far."

" I know, that's why I've been linked to the odd job elsewhere. Anyway, let's get cracking..."

The change around did indeed work well, perhaps more in a surprising the hell out of Burnley who's style seemed set to exploit the previous lack of width - and they were at sixes and sevens when Scott Rickards converted Rob Hulse's cross, and before the home side were allowed to play their way back into the game, Derek McInnes played in Alan Mahon, with the Irishman scoring his 5th of the season. Confidence was suddenly flowing once more, and before half time, the shell shocked hosts conceded another - with Derek McInnes rifling in a rebound. That sealed an excellent win, as another Cup match beckoned.

Now the Autowindscreens has never held much affection in Ryan's eyes, but for some reason his weakened side were doing a pretty good job this season - after defeating high flying Wolves 2-0 at Victoria Park - perhaps it was a case of the visitors being simply embarrassed at having to play in this competition, but all the same an excellent performance from the side, with goals from Endre Hansen and Adam Boyd capped a decent team effort, with Kevin Dawson, Jonathan Bewers, and David Perpetuini all impressing.

With the new style certainly benefiting the wingers, allowing more space to be exploited without damaging the central midfield, the side performed magnificently at home to Reading as a comprehensive victory ensured the side were settled in the play-off groups. 2 goals in either half set up the win, and there was a welcome return to form for sub Paul Furlong who scored the third and crossed for Mike Trought to head in the final goal. That all arrived on the base established by Rob Hulse's 11th minute goal and the subsequent doubling of that lead from Derek McInnes. 4-0 it finished and all was well.

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"Hi Clara!"

"Hi Ryan, listen just phoning to tell you the Derby job's come up again, if you're interested?"

"Really?! No news here yet..."

"It'll be in the papers tomorrow. Listen I know how much you adore Hartlepool - and the fact you're doing so well this season is fantastic, but all this commuting is a little hard to take..."

"Hey love, don't worry. Derby may be wallowing in the pits of the Premiership but it's a big step up for me, and I'm more than prepared to give it a go if the board'll let me. I'll send off an application tomorrow when it's announced publicly..."

"Thanks, Ryan - well done against Reading by the way - and good luck against Wolves..."

"Cheers pet, listen I've training to get to, but I'll talk to you soon ok? Bye"

Ryan returned the handset to its' position and then reflected on the news. For some reason it didn't bring as much joy as he'd have anticipated - and the growing attachment to Hartlepool was quite worrying. With the side doing so well, in the league, he did envisage a second successive promotion for the club, and with all these youngsters here - the future was bright for the club... and he knew if the offer did come from David Jansen, chairman of Derby, it'd be no easy decision - the decisive factor it seemed was Clara - and for her, he'd move - though not without trying to bring all of Hartlepool's talents with him.

After no reply initially from the club, Ryan prepared the side to host Wolves, a side hell bent on returning to Division 1, but having slipped up recently they were on edge. This was reflected in their nervy start as Tony Dinning broke free to slot home from close range, but once they settled their trickery attack began to show their colours again, as Tommy Johnson equalised before the break, but fortunately for Ryan, a lucky break restored the initiative to the home side soon after as Jason Dodd crudely challenge Scott Rickards in the area, and Mike Trought dispatched the penalty with ease. With the visitors frailty exposed once more, Derek McInnes made it 3-1 as Ryan's side were enjoying the rub of the green and playing good football to match. Though Tommy Johnson added another late on, it was two wins in 8 days against the really rather dormant, if not, coma-induced giants of the midlands.

A break at the weekend for Cup action saw Ryan having to deflect a great deal of attention from the local media, all gossiping about his role at the club and whether he had put his name forward for the vacant Derby job - even Geoff and Bryan couldn't get an answer out of him as Ryan tried to focus on the matter at hand - which was made all the more difficult as the speculation was certainly unsettling one or two of the players who's reason for joining or staying at the club was the Manager and the coaching staff.

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Rumours had developed apace too when Ryan was spotted in the crowd at Wimbledon who were hosting Derby in the 4th round of the FA Cup, an exciting match that ended 3-3, but still there was no comment - and the temptation to bring Hitman Harry out of retirement was one playing heavily on the Duffer's conscience, but when on the final day of the month, Derby announced former Gillingham boss Mark Wood as their new coach a sense of relief filled the training ground. Wood to be fair had done an excellent job turning around a second division side when he joined into serious contenders for promotion to the Premiership but Ryan, and especially Clara were disappointed - how long until the next opportunity would present itself?



Result:

Hartlepool 1 Bristol 0 (Hillier OG 16)
Wycombe 2 Hartlepool 1 (Castledine 51 Ryan pen 75; Hulse 12)
Burnley 0 Hartlepool 3 (Rickards 11, Mahon 28, McInnes 39)
AUTOR2 Hartlepool 2 Wolves 0 (Boyd 18, Hansen 48)
Hartlepool 4 Reading 0 (Hulse 7, McInnes 29, Furlong 66, Trought 83)
Hartlepool 3 Wolves 2 (Dinning 9, Trought pen 50, McInnes 58; Johnson 37, 75)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * English Second Division - Saturday 25th January 2003********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2002/3 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Notts C 29 10 4 1 28 13 7 6 1 16 6 61 2nd Preston 28 12 1 2 33 12 5 5 3 17 15 57 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Wolves 29 9 5 1 30 11 5 4 5 22 24 51 4th Hartlepool 29 8 2 4 30 20 6 4 5 25 20 48 5th Orient 28 6 8 0 33 15 4 5 5 15 14 43 6th Cambridge Utd 28 10 1 2 28 9 2 5 8 16 27 42 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7th Wycombe 29 7 3 4 32 23 5 3 7 24 27 42 8th Lincoln 28 8 3 2 28 18 3 5 7 18 28 41 9th Oxford 29 7 2 5 22 14 3 8 4 26 26 40 10th Burnley 29 5 6 4 23 22 4 7 3 19 23 40 11th Crewe 29 5 8 2 25 21 4 4 6 20 22 39 12th Brentford 29 7 4 4 27 22 4 2 8 22 30 39 13th Millwall 29 9 5 1 27 12 1 3 10 16 29 38 14th Port Vale 29 3 9 2 20 17 5 5 5 17 23 38 15th Chesterfield 28 8 2 5 24 18 2 4 7 13 23 36 16th Wrexham 28 5 4 5 22 24 4 3 7 21 37 34 17th Scunthorpe 29 6 4 4 23 18 3 2 10 13 25 33 18th Rotherham 28 5 4 5 15 14 4 2 8 13 21 33 19th Rochdale 28 5 3 5 19 16 2 7 6 19 29 31 20th Bristol R 27 5 3 6 14 18 3 4 6 17 21 31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21st Oldham 29 3 8 3 21 21 3 3 9 14 27 29 22nd Northampton 29 5 4 6 21 25 2 4 8 14 25 29 23rd Reading 29 4 3 8 17 21 4 0 10 16 33 27 24th Kidderminster 29 3 6 5 20 23 1 7 7 14 27 25 </pre>

shannon2007

Unlucky with Derby Mibbe one of the other jobs will open up soon?