Any chance you could give a report on today's game please I was unable to attend But I know you always give a honest report.

I think a lot's been said already but here goes -

As it's the first time I've seen Pools under Sarll, the biggest change is one that most fans will be very happy with - the days of passing it around at the back are over. I wouldn't say it's hoofball either. Pools really do just keep trying to move the ball forward.

It helps when you have players who can receive the ball as well as Mani, Mancini and Campbell. Shields really couldn't cope with Mani - he could easily have scored 4 or 5. They couldn't cope with Mancini either. He's the perfect link up player for the big man, always looking to put him in. Campbell missed a couple of chances but scored a very good individual goal. He's got a bit of side to him - went out of his way to piss off the home fans just before he got substituted - maybe a hangover from his Gateshead days?

The new midfielders are definitely 3 of a kind - can't say any of them really stood out but there's no lack of energy and endeavour. Shields were pretty good at passing through our press though, and a team with better finishers than them would hurt us. It was interesting when Featherstone came on in the second half - you could see straight away he's a much better passer of the ball than any of them, and he was on message about playing it forward! That said, he's nowhere near mobile enough in this set up so I expect he'll be used tactically from the bench.

Dodds and Ferguson both had very good games. They didn't get forward all that much in a back four, but were well on top of things. Waterfall had a quiet return and the big trialist (apparently he's Sass-Davies) stood out more.

I suppose the second half was useful in a lot of ways but the game was over as a contest. Shields edged it but couldn't score. Joe Grey never really got going, Stephenson, Burton and Storey all did ok without looking like they were pushing for a start. As did Onariase - till he blotted his copybook conceding a penalty. As they say, he's always got a mistake in him!

The trialist centre foward will know he's blown it after his display, but the zip had gone out of Pools' attack even before Mani D was taken off around the 60 minute mark. Sure that was partly down to the scoreline, but the other big difference was Mancini not being there to pull their defence apart with his quick thinking. Grey at his best is a decent alternative, but today he wasn't.

It's only one game and a friendly at that, but I was encouraged. Think Pools are going to be a much better watch this coming season than in recent years, and they should dish out a few good hidings in the NL.

Great report thank you.

Thanks for that. Did Mancini play out wide or in the number 10 position? If he can stay fit then we have a very good chance of promotion.

We could probobly do with a box to box midfielder someone like tommy miller, we are very samey in the middle of the park which could well be a problem when we play the better teams. Forward wise i think we can cause anyone problems, but defensively and middle of the park probobly needs something extra if we are to have a really good go at it.

Not sure what to say to that to be honest. Mancini was mainly on the right (but not hugging the touchline) and Campbell on the left, with Mani further forward than both. Seemed quite flexible and gave the attack a good balance.

We definitely need Mancini to stay fit. Just got to hope the hamstring tear was a freak accident and the groin injury avoidable if he hadn't been rushed back.

The goals are on the Hartlepool United X account btw. Who knows, they might migrate to the OS eventually.

Thank you very much Mr Hogans I really enjoyed your excellent detailed summary.

Cheers FH, Poolie1908 i think Sloggett is the Box-Box Midfielder.

Yeh i think Sloggett is that man - he states in his interview thats his game.

Hes also lacking match fitness and sharpness which he said himself. Hes played at the top level so id imagine we have a really good solid CM on our hands for this level. But yeh i still think we need another attacking style midfielder who can come on and still create things and get the ball into dangerous areas. Feaths will just kill the game and be nice in his possession, ideal for when you are winning.

We have been winning many games in the past with Featherstone in midfield and we still crumbled. Mind you i still reckon he will play the majority of the season based on what ive seen so far.

Go on then name, Your bold statement.

I just think we always go back to him i cant see that changing.

To be honest I'll be surprised if he starts as many as 15 games this season, which will be 15 too many according to some Bunkerites

I agree, Pools managers always rate Featherstone and Sarll is already on record saying he's a big admirer. Just can't see him starting many when pressing high up the pitch is so important to the way Sarll wants to play.

actually i do not think sarll expects or wants him to do that and if everything goes to plan i feel we,ll see less and less of him on the pitch as the season goes on. no way its going to be him plus 10 others.