For those who have not seen the goals.

https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/the- ... s-victory/

Thanks for the link Mr Hound.

We looked sharp from what I saw from the highlights - good to see us pressing higher up the pitch which was responsible for at least 2 of the goals. Surprised just how small Adam Campbell is- potentially a very successful 'little in large' combination up top!

Think we've got the fire power to tear teams apart- but need to continue on the front foot, once we're in front and finish games earlier - as we did yesterday - even if it was only South Shields. Honestly don't think we'd have been 5 up in the first half, with any of our previous managers since DC.

The key to a successful season this year for me, will be keeping them all fit for longer periods - the last few seasons have been a nightmare injury wise. So a new keeper, a winger, another combative midfielder and a right back to add competition for places would be a good summer recruitment wise.

Getting back to the highlights- had to laugh that the matchday announcer just said that the goal scorer for Hartlepool was 'Mani' - clearly didn't fancy tackling his surname!

Campbell is going to be a very good player at this level if fit

Mancini looked very involved.

I was a bit concerned after Tuesday, I know it’s pre season so it can be hard to gauge and you take it with a pinch of salt but hadn’t seen any of Sarll’s principles of play within the first three pre seasons friendlies but his practises came to fruition in abundance yesterday. Forcing errors, winning the ball high, quiet direct at times too with an emphasis to capitalise on second balls. Really like the look of Sloggett and Sheron, enjoy the balance within midfield

In my mind the manager who first used the high press was Bill Shankly who once said the centre forward was the fist line of defence. Taken to anew level by Manchester City were Pep demands any player who looses the ball should try to win it back within 10 seconds

Really enjoyed the highlights and super impressed with " The Machine Mancini " looks to be back his best and involved in everything despite lack of fitness and only a handful of games under his belt since his injury. When he is fully fit he is for me the best player in this league and if kept fit will contribute massively to a successful season. I also liked the look of Campbell and Sloggot. Notice the new captain looks to be Waterfall a sound choice. I cannot remember the last time I was looking forward to a new season as much as this one. UTP

Very impressed exactly what I wanted to see. High press, breaking in numbers from midfield, working hard when we lose possession and loads of players in the box. Everything which has been missing the last few years. We need to be patient with this system though as it’s difficult to sustain for 90 minutes and of course the negative is that we are prone to the counter. However, this is the way I like football to be played. Keep this up and the Vic will be rocking. Can’t fault the endeavour. Well done Sarll I like what I saw.

Your hard taskmaster Kettering! 5-0 at half time and you want to finish teams off. Don’t think many times will come back from that. Sarll has said in his interviews he likes his teams to start fast and impose themselves. Starting off positive breeds confidence so expect plenty of goals first half first half then consolidation. Not many teams can play like that for 90 minutes. Premier league yes.

I forgot to mention Dixon. Excellent performance. Keep it up mate.

I like Sarlls principles. Really looking forward to the season. Let’s make the Vic a fortress. After watching a shit England team play shit football I’m really looking forward to a team who plays with intensity, passion and desire. It’s obvious to me that the manager is trying to embed this in the players dna with the sort of players he has brought in. Agree keeping the players fit is the key. Well done Mr Sarll you will do for me

Well I was impressed by his performance, which begs the question do players perform for certain managers…?

yes on both counts. they,ll take the piss on the soft ones and do as little as possible for those who they fear are over strict. bit like kids in school.

it might only have been highlights we saw but its better having something positive to talk about in them than the negatives. they are as good as their last game so lets hope they keep the standard up.

Mancini and Campbell will be absolute star men for us this season - topped off with Mani D just banging them in for fun. His goal return this season i think will surpass last given he got so many in a bad side. Dodds will also be like a new player - again if all stay injury free im the same in being very very buzzing for this season now to begin - DS will only implement this strategy more and it will grow with game time with the actual starting 11. Dont think we will see many games where we come off looking absolutely rubbish under DS. He also seems the guy to drag anyone not pulling their weight too. Lets just hope there is bodies on the bench to swap out. Deffo need some like for like players on the bench

We have just got to somehow cut the chances down we give teams, only pre season but Scarborough and South Shields have had quite a few. Up front i definately think we can cause anyone problems.

Never read to much into friendly scores.
Last week we were Gunna struggle. This week we Gunna piss the league.
Different kettle of fish when season starts.
Need more players of decency in sharpish to start n maintain a play off place challenge.

Really down to sing now on what he really really wants from this season.
UTP.

Calm down….people were basically saying the match was enjoyable and buoyed up by some players…better travel in hope than, a bit of positivity is no bad thing.

Ya missed the point.
Always calm.

Oh no - not the dreaded ".make the Vic a fortress " !
We've been saying that for donkey's years
I can't remember the last time it was a "fortress" - if ever. I'll settle for some decent results. If we get good football on top, that's a bonus.

and how many times do other clubs come out with the clap trap of making their home ground a fortress. it sounds bloody stupid especially nowadays and prefer us to improve our away form as i always travel more in hope than any expectation where pools are concerned.

its just the same in the early few games of the season. if we win our first two games it will be all ott talk about promotion only to be dashed with a defeat in the third. its a 46 league game season where we,ll see the good, the bad and the boring and we just have to hope there is more good than the rest.

Well actually the “Rinkend” was always a fortress, It was when me and Snowy were in there.

Well given the average age of posters on here ( myself included ), it should probably be a "fort rest" ( home ) !

most of last seasons games were like that. just had to wrap up warm and have a rest for a couple of hours and watch the gulls fly about. then some idiots spoilt your day by shouting abuse after some unknown football team managed to score a goal.