Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor welcomes key National League decision

Dave Challinor has welcomed the decision to continue with the National League season with Hartlepool United targeting promotion this year.
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It was revealed on Thursday evening that the National League is to carry on after a majority of clubs opted in favour, National League North and South divisions, however, have seen their seasons declared null and void.

It means promotion is still very much on for fifth-placed Pools ahead of the visit of Yeovil Town.

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Reflecting on the vote, Challinor said: “Any doubts as to what might happen are put to bed.

Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor.Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor.
Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor.

"It was signalled that would happen but when you are looking at the votes of 66 different clubs, it is easy to think one thing may happen and another might.

“From our league it has been quite obvious that the majority wanted to continue, thankfully that happened and we can crack on now and concentrate on football.

“I still think there are scenarios unanswered but that doesn’t affect us, it may affect our opponents but we will deal with that if it does happen.”

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Twice-a-week Covid-19 testing for clubs will also be launched in the National League from Monday.

And Challinor is all too aware how fortunate Pools and other National League clubs are to have carried on playing through the pandemic.

He added: "It is the type of job, as a manager, you will always have the opportunity to improve every day, there are different challenges every day.

"The good thing is how to deal with things and those scenarios are different every day, experiences that will only benefit you further down the line.

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"The big thing is – for everyone – is that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

"As much as it is a weird situation, we are really lucky to be able to crack on with what we are doing and we never lose sight of that fact, to carry on, train every day and play games and to be able to provide some enjoyment for our supporters is not lost on us.

"As difficult as it has been, there are people in far worse positions than us and we have to cherish that we can get on with our normal day as best as possible,” he told BBC Tees Sport.

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