Hartlepool United boss vows to protect Adam Campbell amidst criticism by sections of Pools fanbase
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone admits he may have to protect Adam Campbell after the attacker was jeered by sections of Pools fans during Tuesday night's disappointing defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Sutton United.
The 31-year-old has divided opinion on the terraces ever since signing for Pools in the summer of 2024. Having arrived as a marquee signing after helping Crawley Town win an unlikely promotion to League One, big things were expected of the diminutive forward but Campbell has found it tough going at Victoria Park.
Indeed, the former Notts County, Darlington and Gateshead man endured a torrid first season in the North East before falling out of favour altogether under Simon Grayson. Having been brought back into the fold by Featherstone, Campbell showed signs of promise, scoring three times in five matches during a productive December, but the attacker has found things more difficult since then.
Pools fans, never shy of voicing their opinion, have been critical of Campbell of late and sections of supporters appeared to jeer his name as he was substituted during Tuesday night's ill-timed slip-up against strugglers Sutton.
Featherstone, who himself sometimes fell foul of frustrated supporters during his 11 years as a Pools player, admits he might have to protect Campbell as he bids to help the experienced forward rediscover his best form.
"He's a clever player without the ball," the Pools boss said.
"I've been there in his position where I've divided the opinion of the fanbase at times; I've been loved, been liked, been hated, been disliked - whatever it is.
"He's just got to knuckle down and bring what he brings on the football front. I've got to protect him at times I think, I can't expose him to too much because then it will have an adverse effect.
"He's managing the situation well enough personally, he's a strong enough character to take it. I don't know the reasons, it is what it is; he's been good for me in my time on the whole. He's as disappointed as anyone when he doesn't perform as well as he can.
"I've got a duty to protect Adam. He wants to be involved in every game possible; he won't appreciate this, but I've got to look after him as well."