Hartlepool United promotion extra special for family of former chairman credited with saving the club

Spencer Hornsey, son of the late Harold Hornsey, celebrated the victory with fans at the family-run Seaton Carew bar on Sunday afternoon.

Harold is credited with saving the club when he took control back in June 1994 before selling it to Increased Oil Recovery in 1997.

Spencer visited his dad’s graveside on Sunday morning where someone had left a blue and white wreath and is sure he would have been watching down.

He said: “He completely inspired me. This morning I went to his grave and had a few minutes.

“I knew it was going to be a special day. We’re all very happy right now.”

Spencer, who watched the game with his son Ruben, added: “That game was the best game of football I’ve ever seen in my whole life.

"The determination all season that Hartlepool has shown was all in that game.”