retired_embartl

August 2000 (1)

With a healthy pre-season completed, and enjoyable foray into the transfer market that brought several decent prospects if few immediate stars, Hartlepool looked to the new season with confidence as 5 matches including a League Cup tie were all crammed into the second half of the month. They were buoyed by the permanent arrival of striker Leo Fortune West, as Ryan couldn't hold his patience any longer and faxed forward an offer of 80k rising to 140k on various appearances with Ken Hodcrofts knowledge. However, given the chairman thought he'd have to be offering a much higher sum straight up he let it go. The forward demonstrated his eagerness to join by taking a pay cut.

York City hosted the season opener and an excellent performance throughout the side saw Hartlepool take the points with a 2-0 victory. Leo Fortune West turned provider in only the second minute of the game for Tony Lormor, as Ryan's side seized the initative. A fast paced match saw York create several openings of their own,
but with Gary Strodder marshall the back line effectively, they could find no way through. Man of the Match Ian Clark then sealed the points soon after the restart firing in low from 12 yards, having been put through by Lee Fitzpatrick. That enabled the side to control the game's tempo, and they absorbed York's possession comfortably.

With interest in defender Chris Westwood growing, Ryan encouraged his board to offer the defender an extension on his contract, which currently runs out in 2002, whilst Ryan quietly told Tommy to keep an eye out for defenders in case the worst occured. That preceeded the sides first home match of the season with Torquay where Ryan was pleased to hear his name chanted early on as the side took to the field. Again the match began very well, this time with Barry Ferguson scoring the opening goal, before midfielder Paul Stephenson volleyed in a Darren Knowles cross moments before the break. However Torquay were exploiting the space vacated by the roving full backs, and in the second half Ryan reigned them in a little to consolidate the lead. The containment policy frustrated the away side, and a counter attack saw Leo Fortune West head in his first official goal for the club from a Gary Strodder chip. Despite losing a goal soon afterwards, the lead was not seriously threatened, and right at the end Tony Lormor finished another fine day for Ryan to make it 4.

The only negative to come from that match was an injury to Darren Knowles that would sideline the full back for ten days, though Endre Hansen despite being a midfielder would be a most able deputy. Ryan and Martin debated the side for the League Cup trip to Millwall - the likelyhood was that they wouldn't win, but changing the side too much might upset the fans and the board. In the end minimal changes were made, with Tony Williams, Kenneth Jorgensen and Adam Boyd the only new faces. What followed however was a stunning performance from the team. Their opponents though struggling in Division 2 were still though viable candidates for the play-offs. In 45 minutes, Hartlepool were 3-0 ahead. The in-your-face approach to the game worked wonders, as Kenneth Jorgensen, Kevin Henderson and Adam Boyd all marked their first starts with goals! Adam Boyd even managed the luxury of a missed penalty on 35 minutes as a shell shocked home side fell apart. The second half saw no such repeat, but the game was over by then and a demoralised Millwall offered little threat, allowing Ryan to rest 3 of his defenders for the weekend game at Cheltenham.

retired_embartl

The jubiliation that followed that victory was astonishing. Plaudits continued in the local papers and, suddenly the fans were perking up - their prospects for the season looking better by the day. Of course this was just a good start to the season, and cynics suggested that teams would soon figure out how to counter Ryan's zestful attack. Until then he and Martin tried to keep the players focused on the task at hand. Cheltenham had made a slow start and had been thumped at home by Walsall in the league cup, but Ryan didn't want any presumptions being made amongst his men. With the full strength side restored ( minus Knowles ), hopes were high. The match tnen proved to be much tougher than anticipated, with the hosts taking the early lead. Tommy Miller did fire a reply back on half an hour but the fluency of previous games was conspicuous by it's absence, and Cheltenham nearly restored the lead on a few occasions thanks to the gaping holes left at the back but some forgetful full backs, who were in for a rollicking at the end of the game. In an open match a 1-1 draw was about the right result, and Ryan was pleased. The fans expected more, fans always do, but the point kept his side's unbeaten start moving. He'd have to have words with the defenders though.

Elsewhere Martin did the business however by persuading Neville Southall in person to join the coaching staff and get the best out of the goalkeepers. A worthy addition - he arrived on the bullsh*t promise of first team football. A contract's a contract Neville. With only a days rest before the Bank Holiday Monday match with Leyton Orient Ryan remembered to note Barry Ferguson's performance. It was his final game before the loan spell expired. Paul Arneson and Sam Shilton came in at full backs whilst Tommy Tennebo came in to rest Tommy Miller. In the toughest match of the season so far for the 'Pool, Orient who topped the table, proved a resilient side. The home side did take the lead thanks to a spectacular strike from Tony Lormor, and dominated the immediate spell thereafter but failed to capitalise allowing the visitors to equalise through Jason Brissett and half time beckoned. The second half again sadly proved to be a tale of efficient striking. For all their effort and numerous chances Hartlepool failed to score, inviting punishment which was duly handed out by Brissett once more who struck 5 minutes from time to bring Hartlepool's fiery start to the season down to earth with a bump.

Before the month was over, Ryan had to reject a sizeable offer from Birmingham City for his talisman Tommy Miller, who'd now completed 96 games for the club, and discovered Coventry too had been monitoring Barry Ferguson's progress. They refused to allow another loan move, and his fee was too high to consider a bid. However he had more luck elsewhere and managed to secure a 5 month loan bid for division 1 side Blackburn's midfielder David Dunn. Darren Knowles also returned to full fitness.

Players In :

Leo Fortune West, 29, SC, 80k, Cardiff
Neville Southall, 41, GK Coach, 16k, York City

Results:

York City 0 Hartlepool 2 ( Lormor 2, Clark 53 )
Hartlepool 4 Torquay 1 ( Ferguson 10, Stephenson 39, Fortune West 64, Lormor 89; Holmes 67 )
Millwall 0 Hartlepool 3 ( Jorgensen 9, Henderson 24, Boyd 41, Boyd m/p 35 ) LCR1 1st Leg
Cheltenham 1 Hartlepool 1 (Brough9 , T. Miller 29 )
Hartlepool 1 Orient 2 ( Lormor 25, Brissett 37, 84 )

7th in Div 3

retired_embartl

September 2000

The month began with a trip to Carlisle who's start had been hit and miss. David Dunn sat on the bench, as Ryan sought to introduce him slowly. The game itself began quietly as Carlisle defended deep, but just after the half hour mark, in form forward Tony Lormor broke the deadlock, following up a spilled shot from Fitzpatrick, and then Ryan saw his side press home the advantage in the final minutes of the half, a long ball from goalkeeper Hollund collected by Leo Fortune West who sprinted in on goal and lashed it in to make it two. The second half proved to be a tougher affair, as Carlisle dug in and fought for every ball, and Hartlepool's players began to tire as the game drew on. However, the result was never in real doubt and with 5 minutes to go, substitute David Dunn came on and slotted in a penalty to round off an excellent afternoon for the club.

A spell of three home games followed for the club, beginning with the second leg of the League Cup clash with Millwall . Though it was tempting fate, Ryan placed his faith in several fringe players for this game, to ensure they knew they were in his plans, including young Aidan Lynch. In front of a rowdy crowd, the players performed very well, using the opportunity to stake a claim for the first team reasonably well. After a goalless first half, the game livened up when Millwall threatened to get back into the game thanks to a 62nd Neil Harris strike, but player coach Paul Blades settled nerves 10 minutes later heading in the rebound to Andy McAvoy's shot, sealing a safe passage to the second round of the cup, with Paul Arnison taking the Man of the Match award.

That victory had brought with it 2nd round tie against Queens Park Rangers, a mid table first division side who would surely have enough clout to get past Ryan's team, whilst striker Tim Sperrevik was doing his worst to get into Ryan's plans by not turning up to training. It was bad enough the man showed no effort or application for the sport whilst picking up a tidy wage, but this took the biscuit. He was fined a weeks wages and placed on the transfer list at a minimal price. Ryan wanted rid.

Blackpool were lying in 23rd position when they visited Victoria Park on the weekend and seemingly the odds were against them but it was they who came away with the 3 points after a poor showing from the front line for Hartlepool. Phil Clarkson scored the only goal of the game in the first half, and the hosts for all their might couldn't get past Tony Craig, the Man of the Match, even after Blackpool had defender Phil Thompson sent off. Only Sam Shilton, a player eager to prove his worth particularly impressed, whilst Darren Knowles had played himself back onto the bench.

Trying to analyse the failures behind the goals proved tricky for the coaches as the players were seemingly doing everything right, but the Rochdale game was soon upon them, so Ryan brought a few young reserves onto the bench to see if they could change the fortunes again. The match again proved to be heading for a night of frustration as a stalemate seemed the likely result, until in the 87th minute substitute Adam Boyd headed in a David Dunn cross and earned himself a start in the next match.

In between matches, Ryan and Martin took a little time out to look through the contract situation at the club and they were alarmed to discover a number of the best players' deals ended next summer. Contacting their agents it appeared many were demanding excessive wage demands, and there was no way the club could afford to satsify all the demands, compromises would need to be reached. However, before any decisions were made over the initial offers the club faced a tricky trip to 6th placed Brighton. A decision to go to 442 proved an ill fated one as the home side completed dominated the game. That said it was Leo Fortune West who scored the game's first goal just after the re-start from a Tommy Miller centre. However it took only two mintes before Paul Blades was forced to turn into his own net, and then with 15 minutes to go Scott Ramsay ensured the hosts took the least they deserved from the game.

Back on the contract front and Paul Stephenson, Ian Clark and Lee Fitzpatrick all agreed extensions but the others were less willing to accepting anything less than what they demanded, so Ryan let them be for now - he didn't want to be held to ransom - and if better players should appear on the horizon, he'd let them go. Tony Williams signed on the dotted line after protracted negotiations, but Tommy Miller began throwing a wobbly when he read newspaper reports suggesting a heavy bid from Watford had been turned down for him. It was a problem for Ryan - balancing the loss of a star player against the substantial money the club would earn from his sale. He knew he had to start thinking about a replacement and sent his scouts on their way.

For the League Cup match with QPR a reversion to 532 was in order as Ryan returned to tried and tested. This would be a much tougher proposition than Millwall, but since that cup upset some optimistic fans began to talk of a second overhaul. Peter Crouch silenced those hopefuls inside 5 minutes putting his side ahead and though Tommy Miller equalised 20 minutes later, the visitors were clearly the stronger team, with their superiority turning itself into a winning goal just after half time through Karl Connolly, and barring a miracle this tie was settled. A month long injury to David Dunn didn't help.

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3 days later and it was league action again as Hartlepool sought to find their stylish fluency from earlier in the year. 17th placed Exeter were the hosts and like Blackpool and Rochdale before them, they effectively stifled the home side's threat, and for much of the first half it was the away side who were on top but Martin Hollund was in fine fettle. Just as the half drew to a close a Darren Knowles corner picked out Paul Arnison at the back post who forced the ball home, handing the hosts a barely deserved lead. The second half was another fractitious affair, but no further goals arrived as Hartlepool ground out a needed win that elevated them into 5th.

Before the second leg with QPR, the London side decided, ( so nice of them ) to make a very public bid of intent surrounding Tommy Miller, which narked Ryan off rather severely, telling the arseholes more or less where that offer could go. Of course Tommy had other ideas, he very much fancied the idea of a step up in class. To be fair you couldn't blame him, so a reluctant Ryan considered accepting it - though not before attempting to take a Ranger defending in the bargaining. As for the match, Ryan just couldn't be bothered, it was either the League or the FA Cup for him. Fat Neville grabbed his first start, along with a handful of other young rapscallions keen to impress. The tie provided the inevitable as a poor start knocked any hope out of the side and an exit soon followed.

However, Ryan did have some luck with regards to negotiation with QPR, who allowed him to discuss terms with central defender Chris Plummer as part of the Miller agreement. The defender was of a decent standard and would help provide a little more cover at the back. The deal was drawing to a conclusion, though not yet over when Halifax hosted Hartlepool on the last day of the month. It wasn't a happy side that took to the field, with rumours of discontented players wanting to leave or unhappy with their current contracts - however a thoroughly professional job secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Halfiax to end the month on a high, and it was with particular pleasure that Ryan saw Tommy set up two of the goals as part of a Man of The Match display. Kevin Henderson scored early on to renew confidence, before Paul Stephenson nodded in Miller's cross on the stroke of half time. The final touch was provided by a thumping drive from Sam Shilton as Hartlepool controlled the game from start to finish, and ending the month as they had begun - with an excellent 3-0 away win.


Results:

Carlisle 0 Hartlepool 3 ( Lormor 33, Fortune West 45, Dunn 86 )
Hartlepool 1 Millwall 1 ( Blades 74, Harris 62 )
Hartlepool 0 Blackpool 1 ( Clarkson 30 )
Hartlepool 1 Rochdale 0 (Boyd 87 )
Brighton 2 Hartlepool 1 ( Barnes O.G 52, Ramsay 72; Fortune West 50 )
Hartlepool 1 QPR 2 ( Miller 23; Crouch 5, Connolly, 40 )
Hartlepool 1 Exeter 0 ( Arnison 45 )
QPR 2 Hartlepool 0 ( Furlong 7 Connolly 20
Halifax 0 Hartlepool 3 ( Henderson 8, Stephenson 44, Shilton 71

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3rd in Div 3

After a month filled with highs and lows Ryan needed a break, but Sam Shilton wasn't about to give him one as he knocked on the door the following Monday.

" Morning Sam, come in, good game on Saturday. What do you want to see me for then? Contract again?"

" Nah boss. Listen, I'm sorry to say I want out."

" Why!?" Ryan woke with a start.

"Well, whilst I am really pleased with how the side's done so far, and I do enjoy the style of football we play, it gets us goals, and so forth, I still feel I am playing within myself at this level. I believe I can play at a higher level. So er, that's where I want to go."

" Dammit Sam. When I first picked the sides, there was a reason you weren't getting picked - because the other players were training harder than you and as far as I could see, were simply more skilled than you. Now you didn't like that - I saw that - and Martin reckoned you were worth a start, you got it and you took it with both hands - and since when I've seen a kid enjoying himself playing out of his skin. Sam, you're 22 - you've got time on yourside and sadly your contract is up at the end of the season. If you must then you can leave in the summer..."

" But boss! There are sides after me I know...."

" You what? How the hell do you know? Rumours in the papers? Some crap journalist give you a call?"

" No boss, some of the agents for the... oh erm I mean... oh ****."Sam went quiet.

"So you've been tapped up then have you Sam? You know that's illegal!"

"Well what's the difference? I want to leave all the same..."

"Yes but it's because you've heard some fairy tale from agents of clubs chatting you up! That's the f*cking problem."

"So can I leave?"

" No you bloody well can't! You can get the f*ck out of the office now and back with the lads! Give me a 100% until Christmas and I'll reconsider. Good day Sam."

Sam left the office meekly and began to wander grudgingly back to the pitch, whilst Ryan was full of fury. He called Martin in to discuss the matter.

" Well Ry, I think the best bet is to inform the FA, and then force Sam to spill the beans on the clubs, however given they used third parties to find out if he's interested, it's easy for the clubs to escape punishment, claiming no connection to the club. Plus the damage has already been done right? Sam's wanted - what can we do? He's not going to sign a new deal... Martin added.

" Not yet maybe, but give him time. He still can't make any decisions of his own until January anyway - and by then if we can establish ourselves as genuine promotion contenders and I think we can, they I can see a change in heart. Young men eare easily swayed by promises of wealth and prominence, and Sam's just another. If he keeps getting better then maybe I'll accept the next offer that comes in for him, but I can't see him really making it at Division 1 standard anyway."

"He'll have to work hard if he is to. By the way, how's the Miller transfer going?"

" It'll be completed within days I'm sure. Chris Plummer was very eager to join - not having the best of spells down there which is good for us - he's fairly young and talented, and we'll get 200k for Tommy to. Finding a replacement is going to be tough though."

"Aye, he was a talented player, a shame, but he deserved a step up. So what're your plans now Ry?"

" A bit more paperwork and then lunch. I'll see you at the canteen later." Within seconds of Martin leaving, the phone rang.

[i]" Hello Ryan Duff speaking. Whos this?"

" Ah good morning Ryan. It's Timmy Mallett from the Daily Dump. I'm calling about young Mr. Miller - we've got reason to believe he's going to off any time soon is tha' correct?" [i/] Ryan hated the arsehole. TV idiot turned journalist with a penchant for annoying everyone he wrote about.

" Er yes Timothy. I can give you an exclusive, he'll be leaving for Norwich City next week in a deal worth 1.2million pounds."

" My god you've got good business there man!"

" I know. Anything else? No? Bye." He hung up the phone muttering tw*t in the process. Now to look forward to October.

retired_besheeran

Excellent really enjoying this read. Keep the pesky journalists down.

retired_embartl

Cheers pal, if you don't like journalists you'll probably want to keep reading


October 2000

No sooner had the month seriously began and Tommy Miller's transfer was officially completed and with extra coffers in the bank, the search was on for a replacement anchorman. A temporary solution was found once again in Blackburn where South African midfielder Burton O'Brien arrived on a two month loan and the player started the first match of the month at home to Barnet , another struggling side. Ian Clark also replaced the confused Shilton. Another laboured effort saw the first half end 0-0 despite the home side, and Tony Lormor having all the chances. The visitors briefly threatened on the break, but that was always dealt with comfortably. The second half was a similar story, when Ryan made a fine substitution bringing on Andy McAvoy for Paul Stephenson and the midfielder sent the home crowd back very much relieved when he converted a 90th minute penalty after Lormor had been felled. It wasn't pretty but the side were in second and the pundits were still waiting for the disastrous collapse.

With most eyes focused on the World Cup 2002 qualifiers, Ryan still had to deal with requests for his players, an inevitable side factor of success. This time it was Darren Knowles - another contract rebel - who was receiving the attention - but Ry was willing to listen this time. Darren wasn't indispensable and with Peterborough making the offer, he believed a compromise could be sought. His scout Tommy Miller had seen one of their youngsters in action, James Bishop an Anglo/Yank 17 year old with potential. A lengthy phone call with opposite number Barry Fry left the deal in the hands of the players involved.

On Saturday 14th the toughest match arrived for Ryan's side as they travelled to table toppers Kidderminster, who held a 100% home record leading up to the match, but given that Hartlepool seemed to bizarrely perform better away from home, there was plenty of hope of taking something from this game. Chris Plummer and Leo Fortune West returned to the starting line up and played very well in the first half, as the quality of the game reflected the sides positions in the league, open chances created at either end but cancelled out by stubborn defending. However, a minute before the break the tide turned when a fast counter attack saw Ian Clark volleyed in Paul Stephensons cross. That proved the turning point and as the hosts needed to open up to get back into the game - a fact swiftly exploited by Leo Fortune West only 3 minutes after the re-start and before the hosts could regroup, they were stunned by another Fortune West strike 4 minutes later from another Stephenson ball - to seal another superb 3 points, and elevating Hartlepool to the top of the pile.

All Ryan and Martin were focussing on now was why the heck the side were so good away from home but struggled at home. Of course they were still getting the points at home, but certainly with none of the style that the die hard away fans relished. A quick f**k off also headed Macclesfield's way when they tried to buy Lee Fitzpatrick, a rejection the midfielder naturally didn't give two hoots about.

Away from the football Ryan did have another life, but so far it had very much taken second fiddle to Hartlepool's success. Ahead of the home match with Scunthorpe he started getting back in touch with old friends who had often left messages of good luck, hard luck, well done and so forth on his message machine - and he hadn't found the time to reply. He decided to invite them to the weekend match and catch up afterwards. Before that though, he did manage to secure the signing of James Bishop for 9k whilst Darren Knowles went the other way to Peterborough for 45k. It wasn't a like for like but Ryan was happy - he had a few very talented young players at the club now. This kid was certainly a future Tommy Miller if he applied himself. He even went straight onto the bench, too whilst Paul Arnison replaced Knowles on the right.

Again Ryan's friends saw the away side dominate most of the early proceedings, but as luck would have it Hartlepool took the lead shortly before the break when Burton O'Brien won a free kick 20 yards out from goal. Ian Clark converted superbly, whilst wantaway Sam Shilton injured himself in the celebrations, the midfielder replaced by Paul Stephenson. It turned out a useful substitution as amid further pressure in the second half, Paul Stephenson firing in an excellent solo effort effectively sealing the result. With Martin Hollund in unbeatable form, and the defence holding form, top spot was consolidated.

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After the match Ryan met up with his friends, Geoff and Bryan at the local balti to catch up.

" Say Ryan that weren't a bad game today - tho' you was a bit battered man. Lucky fer a win."

"Yeah Geoff, it's been a bit odd like that - but you know we're getting the results and I won't start complaining."

" But if you play like tha' against the top sides you'll run into trouble soon mate. Start slipping up and so forth."

" Negative arse Bryan. I'll be fine, Martin and myself have been talking about it, might have something to do with the full backs. Maybe our system catches out people away from home becuase it is so attacking, I don't know. However we've got the lads playing well and scoring goals that's what counts."

" Yeah I suppose, but Duffer man, you got a long term replacement for the Miller lad?"

" Not yet Geoff, but I'll get one sooner or later, fortunately there's not a rush - the players we got are doing a grand job and hey, no injuries so far - meaning enough competition is keeping the lads on the toes!"

" What about that Shilton lad? Stretchered off today and there's been a few reports in the papers..."

"Yeah, well that kid's listening to the wrong people - his heads a mess and all. However he's not going anywhere right now, two weeks on the sidelines - gives me a chance to try others out. He moaned all the time, why hasn't he played this game, that game - ambition money and so forth. Bit of an ego mind.In truth though if a rich Division 3 club came a sniffing he'd join 'em. Yeah, there are mercenaries even right down in this league!"

" Ah well never mind eh Ryan - with that sub whatsisname scoring you reckon you can maintain this run?"

Don't see why not. Paul's usually a regular but I caved into an angry Shilts before the match. I hope we can, but I suppose it depends on the legs and form. We do have good youngsters though - like this James Bishop kid - he's a promising talent for sure. Anyway, I think I can see our food coming now, another drink anyone....?

Back at the ground a few days later and it was business as usual for Ryan - his star players were coming in for bids left right and centre. First was goalkeeper Martin Hollund - who's performances were certainly winning the club points at home, and West Brom were offering a paltry 150k. Testing his luck, Ryan negotiated up to 750k, perfectly happy to know it oculd put his suitors off. A 50k bid for Ian Clark from recently defeated Scunthorpe was laughed at, the fax returned in kind with no small amount of cartoon excrements pictured beautifully around Jamie Hewitt's face. Finally, there was Lee Fitzpatrick subject to a smilar fee from Macclesfield though Ryan did at least act with a little more decorum, simply replying "Bugger Off".

For the trip to 10th placed Mansfield Ryan made a few changes, with Tony Williams and Thomas Tennebo starting after spells on the bench, whilst Paul returned to his place. In hindsight the decisions were a blunder, given that they had come up a side with an ability to take their chances - and ruthlessly so. Facing a half time 3-0 deficit, courtesy mostly of Chris Greenacre, Ryan's side's prospects were bleak. Chris Plummer and Tony Williams were beaten easily to balls, the former missing tackles, the latter letting his guard down. At the other end, Kevin Henderson was only firing blanks, as a lethargic attacking performance let the side down. Leo Fortune West did add some consolation to the scoreline, but only after Mansfield scored a 4th through the impressive Wayne Cordon, as Ryan rued simply a case of a bad day at the office.

It was turning out to be one of those weeks too as the next day West Brom did come back with the negotiated offer leaving Ryan with the dilemma of selling his star keeper for a sizeable sum, or risk p*ssing him off, and losing him later on for a lot less. Confident though of persuading the 26 year old to stay he turned down the offer, which swiftly found it's way to the papers at the West Brom end, and consequently to Hollund's ears. And he was indeed p*ssed. So then clubs decided Paul Stephenson was the flavour of the day and offers from Bradford and Crystal Palace transmitted their way through to his fax, and Ryan blew a fit. Moments later a press release from Hartlepool United read:

"The Manager of Hartlepool United would kindly appreciate it if clubs would stop bidding for his players. Perhaps said clubs could return with a few million pounds and a degree of respect, and then Ryan may answer his phone. Until then, sod off."

Perhaps not the most intelligent ways in which to protect your players, but Ryan was fed up. No-one would tear apart his table topping side just yet, and he had little time to prepare for the Tuesday clash with 3rd placed Chesterfield . Putting out what he thought was a strong side, the cynic in him showed no surprise whatsoever to go a goal down in the first half, nor was the inept attempt to play football by his team. A three man substitute team in the second half thankfully did liven the side up, as chances were created, pressure sustained and an equaliser found with 15 minutes to go through substitute Adam Boyd, following neat passing from Tommy Tennebo and Leo Fortune West which at least salvaged a point, for the increasingly unstable league leaders.

Worse followed in the final match of October, as they faced Hull away, and though the match was energetic and open ended, it was Hull who were the more clinical and blatantly more confident in front of goal. Cayman Island striker Jamie Woods scored twice before the break giving Ryan's side a mountain to climb and despite their best efforts not even a consolation could be found as Clint Marcelle finished the game off with 20 minutes to go, as Hartlepool's month finally ended, and hopefully the side could regroup in time for the match with Macclesfield the following week. Meanwhile Ryan, Martin and the scouts went crazy in their efforts to find a Tommy Miller replacement.



Players In:

Chris Plummer, 24, DC, Exch QPR
James Bishop 17, MC, 9k, Peterborough

Players Out:

Tommy Miller 21, MC, QPR 200k/exch - 10 (3 ), 2 gls
Darren Knowles 29, DR, Peterborough 45k, - 5 (1)

Results:

Hartlepool 1 Barnet 0 (McAvoy 90 pen )
Kidderminster 0 Hartlepool 3 ( Clark 44, Fortune West 49, 53 )
Hartlepool 2 Scunthorpe 0 (Clark 43, Stephenson 63 )
Mansfield 4 Hartlepool 1 (Williams 30, Greenacre 31,45, Cordon 61; Fortune West 72 )
Hartlepool 1 Chesterfied 1 (Boyd 72; Tutill 30)
Hull 3 Hartlepool 0 (Wood 28,39, Marcelle 68 )

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November

Another player left as the month began but few at the club gave much of a care as the ridiculously woeful Tim Sperrevik joined Kidderminster for 22k. Questions were raised over why a promotion rival were willing to buy them, but Ryan wasn't worrying - as soon as the Aggborough side saw what the Norwegian couldn't do, they'd be regretting the transfer - he hoped. Of positive news for the club though was that one of their kind had been called up for International duty. James Bishop realising sensibly that accepting the USA call was his best means to playing at a higher level.

Ian Clark soon became club captain after telling Luton in person to leave him alone after they allegedly persistently cold called him for a week on end, not a fantastic puling technique it must be said, and then Ryan had the dilemma of whether to bid for Norwgian keeper Anders Rasmussen, when a completely obscure side Koge BoldKlub went public with their ambitions. Given the opposition to his signature, he decided not to bother this time.

The first match of the month was seen as a chance to reverse fortunes with a home clash against 22nd placed Macclesfield and indeed the hosts were by far the brighter side earlier on, taking the initial early lead through starting debutant James Bishop, but then fate conspired against them and the luck they had enjoyed earlier decided to switch sides. This time Hartlepool did play the sweeping football, held possession and threatened regularly to score more. Insteas they went 3-1 down before the half hour was up. To say it knocked confidence was somewhat of an understatement, and though an inspired Leo Fortune West tried his best o bring the game back to life, he could only manage one and another defeat beckoned. It was turning out to be a much harder job than Ryan first anticipated.

Turning to customary panic mode, new tactics were tried out on the training ground, one that was slightly more focused on not letting smegloads of goals, and it included a back four this time. It took to the field against Lincoln full of renewed optimism. Being 3-0 down after 10 minutes changed that idea somewhat as the hosts went bananas in the first half due in large part to Lee Thorpe and Paul Smith. It was 4 by half time, and after Gary Strodder's dismissal for a flaying punch in the second half, hopes of a spectacular comeback were vanquished, and only a Leo Fortune West goal proved any consolation as another dismal defeat left Hartlepool lying back in 9th spot.


So the 442 went back out the window into the cesspit it came from as Ryan and Martin spent the next day scratching their heads. A distraction from the collapsing league form was the unwelcome intrusion of more press association members babbling on about his players. Ian Clark was once again widely talked about as moving off to a decent club, a rumour which grated Ryan severely, but this time he couldn't even be bothered to return the calls left by the retards.

The FA Cup was just around the corner and Ryan did take this seriously, he cherished the traditions of this oh so English competition. Chester City were a mid table conference side so the home draw was certainly winnable, and he thought it possible to rest a few senior players who had underformed badly in the previous match. Ryan also tried out a third formation, with a narrow diamond midfield. With a lack of right sided defensive players Ryan though was unfortunately forced for the first time in his brief management career to field a guy called Rory. The young full back made his debut, and shockingly wasn't totally awful. A solid first 44 minutes saw Lee Fitzpatrick and David Dunn hand the hosts a 2 goal lead, but a freak Dean Spink goal tightened the game again. Despite overpowering their visitors the match was always on the edge with just the 1 goal difference, but thankfully the lead survived intact and Hartlepool were through.

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The only piece of bad news was another injury to Sam Shilton, the fiesty left back would be away for a month whilst his kneecap was stuck back on and when he returned to sit back in his recliner, the phone rang. It was Tommy Miller Senior.

" Hey Tommy. How's the scouting going, found me anyone worth considering?"

" There's a few on the list with a bit of talent, some young others out of favour. I reckon they're affordable to. What's your need?"

" a right sided defender and possibly a centre-mid are immediate priorities. I think I'm fairly well covered elsewhere though. You got folk I can look at?"

"Well yeah, at least on the defender, not too sure about the midfielder - just more prospects, nothing solid yet. Jason Gill, is a 30 year old full back at Birmingham. He's out of favour and know he just wants to be playing. Still a two league drop might be too much for him, but he's definitely worth a try - he's talented. The last time he was officially valued by the clubs auctioneer, they estimated him at about 180k but I think you could get him for much less - possibly around the 90k - 100k mark. I'll fax through the clubs details if you want."

"Cheers Tommy - that'll be great. Erm, don't bother with the midfielders then if they're just kids - I'll hopefully be fine for now, anyway talk to you later, I gotta another fax here already to read.

Oh and before you go - remember you're contracts up at the end of the season, but we've got a new one all drawn up ready for you to sign. Just pop into Ken's office when you're around yeah?"

Yeah cheers Ryan. See ou later"

Ryan put the handset back in it's place, turning his attention to the sheet of paper protruding from the ugly monstrosity near the computer. He began reading the paper but within 4 seconds he'd torn it up into little pieces. The words Swansea and transfer bid made him retch, what was it with those planks? Collecting Birmingham's details he soon made for Ken's office next to the canteen, to fax through a bid.

Sunday 19th proved to be another enjoyable day as the draw for the 2nd round of the FA Cup handed Hartlepool another winnable draw, hosting either division 3 side Torquay or Northwick Victoria of the conference - offering a prime chance to make it through to the heralded 3rd round. Developments were also brought to a swift end in the Jerry Gill transfer with the midlands side only too keen to let him go, and the player was desperate to end his horror spell - and subject to the official signing of the contract the deal was as good as done for a pricey 100k.

The lad's desperation to play competitive football shone through in training, and Ryan had no hesitation in awarding him a debut as soon as possible away at Southend . Now the last match of November proved to be a happier one as the league slump was halted thanks to a hard earned 2-0 win over a home side who'd enjoyed a 10 game unbeaten run until that point. A defence that stood firm protecting Tony Williams gave the midfield the confidence to head up field - and Leo Fortune West scored after 20 minutes capitalising on the enterprising run of Lee Fitzpatrick. It stopped the home side's growing momentum allowing Hartlepool a little more time to re-assert themselves. Substitute Adam Boyd then made another decent case for replacing the off form Tony Lormor permanently by heading in a cross from new boy Jerry Gill, making an impressive first start, fitting in with ease.

Before the month ended, there was the surprisingly nice bit of news that Northwich had overcome their division 3 opponents in the replayed FA Cup match. Of course it wouldn't be easy but Ryan still fancied his chances, and then the icing on the cake as sulking Martin Hollund decided he'd rather buck up his ideas be happy for a bit and battle for his place back too - so it all ended well.


Players In:

Jerry Gill, 30 DR, 100k Birmingham

Players Out:

Tim Sperrevik, 24,SC, 22K Kidderminster

Results:

Hartlepool 2 Macclesfield 3 (Bishop 13 Fortune West 62; Keen 17,23, Glover 25)
Lincoln 5 Hartlepool 1 (Thorpe 2,4 Walker 11, Smith 30, 84; Fortune West 62 )
Hartlepool 2 Chester 1 (Fitzpatrick 19, Dunn 30; Spink 44)
Southend 0 Hartlepool 2 (Fortune West 20 Boyd 62)

9th in Division 3