Some quite funny pictures here - http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/ ... me_heroes/

Why The Northern Echo is out of the picture at Pools

10:14am Wednesday 27th August 2008

READERS may be wondering why the match report from last night's Carling Cup match between Hartlepool United and West Brom is accompanied by a Roy Of The Rovers-style artist's impression.

It is because The Northern Echo was prevented from publishing live photographs from the game due to a dispute between the club and local newspapers.

The Northern Echo, along with the Hartlepool Mail, is banned from sending photographers to home matches, and reporters are denied press access at Victoria Park.

The Mail was originally banned because it refused to sign a commercial agreement which it considers to be unfair.

And The Northern Echo was then banned for supplying the Mail with pictures of recent matches and refusing to give a commitment not to do so in future.

Peter Barron, Editor of The Northern Echo, said: "I have twice written to the club, proposing a meeting so we can try to find a constructive way forward but, sadly, the offer has not even been acknowledged.

"It is very sad that the two newspapers which have given Hartlepool FC the most coverage home and away for many years should be treated in this way."

The club has warned other newspapers not to co-operate with the two papers and even ordered radio stations not to pass on quotes from the manager and players - even though they are broadcast shortly after the game.

Our Hartlepool United writer, Nick Loughlin, is buying a ticket to compile his match reports from the terraces.

And to make up for the lack of live pictures, last night's action has been superbly captured by graphic artist Chris Moran with the help of a sketch-book and a felt-tipped pen.

Its a shame that the Echo chose today to make this story public knowledge. The fact is that its been rumbling on for some weeks now and its just plain daft.

Why is it a shame, it is best that they publish the story today as many people will have bought the paper wanting to see pics from last nights games.

People can now see another example of what 'Uncle ken' is really like.

bounder (allegedly)

Newspapers play a vital part in promoting a football club so hopefully this can be sorted out as soon as possible.

And , apart from being a 'bounder', what is he like

You don't know really, do you.....

He's clearly ruthless and no nonsense thats for sure, if he was your boss you wouldn't want to cross him. Within Pools, 100% of the power is held by KH.

I know more than most.

Mr I , I don't believe that last comment- I was once present when the Berg Larsen was at a home game with some of his friends, and Ken Hodcroft looked like a office junior worried about not making himself look a tw*t in front of his boss and his bosses friends - he was one stressed man that day!!!

He may run the club, but he still has to report his figures to the main man






Walkies

Yes of course he has to report the figures to group level, you would expect that but thats not what we're talking about. we're talking about day to day management and man management in which repsect without any doubt whatsoever KH is numero uno, dos and tres.

Fair point- in all honesty I just can't stand the man because of one comment and one comment only "if the fans don't like it , don't support us"






stay stay stay..........good boy

That might explain a lot, like why he seemsto be comfortable only when he's controlling other people.


ps didn't see this thread when I posted stuff about the Echo ...apologies

Frank Reid will be ok to get in though, he has the Zebra print Camo Ford Orion he sneaks in with.

Jesus that was a long time ago, I can't even remember what the subject was now. But I defended him at the time because they weren't his exact words.

I am happy to be proven wrong if somebody can show me when he said that.

If my failing old member is right, I think the actual words from his mouth were something along the lines of, if the fans don't like it, they won't support us.

What he did say, maybe not on that occasion, was if the fans don't want IOR in charge then let them say so; IOR won't stay where they're not welcome.

If memory serves me correctly, in the same speak he denied the holocaust.