Phillips met the media at Maiden Castle on Thursday morning to discuss the disappointment of Tuesday night’s 7-1 drubbing at Gateshead, Pools’ worst defeat in 28 years, and the squad’s determination to bounce back ahead of a testing Easter weekend.
Here are 10 things we learned:
5. Mancini's season is probably over
Phillips said the French midfielder was waiting on the results of a scan but suggested that supporters were unlikely to see the 22-year-old again this season. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
6. Khan remains at Grimsby and appears no closer to a return
Despite a number of false dawns, Otis Khan is still recovering at parent club Grimsby and Phillips admitted there was a possibility he might not play for Pools again. Photo: Lewis Storey
7. Phillips leaning on Lawrence and Sweeney
Phillips said he had never experienced a defeat like that at Gateshead, either as a manager or a player, and was leaning on Lennie Lawrence and Anthony Sweeney for advice as the trio bid to prepare Pools to bounce back. Photo: Michael Driver
8. Dickenson back in training
Having missed the last two games with a muscle strain, Phillips confirmed that Oldham loanee Brennan Dickenson was set to train on Thursday and could be in contention for the Halifax clash. Photo: Mark Fletcher