Hartlepool United ‘getting on with it’ following positive coronavirus case

That is despite a member of Pools’ backroom staff recently testing positive for the virus. It’s the second confirmed case at the club this season after winger Luke Molyneux tested positive at the start of the campaign.

Fortunately, both cases have required no self-isolation period for the rest of the Hartlepool staff or squad.

So far this season, Pools have had more matches called off due to the weather than they have the virus.

But with case numbers continuing to rise across the country, Pools’ chances of getting through the entire season unscathed are unlikely.

And with Hartlepool currently sitting second in the table, Challinor’s focus remains on getting through the campaign both safely and successfully.

"Touch wood, we haven’t been hit too badly by Covid which is down to the way we’ve done things and a little bit of luck,” Challinor admitted.

"Anyone can pick it up anywhere and we’ve had a case where our kit man has tested positive and has had to self-isolate.

“There are lots of views and our players will have different opinions on the situation. Our mindset as a club is just about doing what we need to do and getting on with it, but most importantly being safe and sensible.”

While regular rounds of testing are conducted throughout the top four tiers of English football, they aren’t currently mandatory in the National League despite the season continuing.

“There can be lots of different arguments around testing and what we should or shouldn’t be doing but we’ve just got to keep following the rules and make sure we social distance and train outside,” added the Pools boss.

“We crack on to the best of our ability and until that changes, we’ll be keeping safe and football wise look to keep winning games.

“Whether you think the season isn’t going to finish or finish on points per game, the best thing to do is make sure you finish as high as you can and secondly make sure you win as many games as you can so your points per game has you in a good position and your fate is not decided by the powers that be.”

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