Hartlepool United loan star Richie Bennett opens up about Stockport County frustrations and discusses potential of a recall

With five goals in two National League starts, including a hat-trick in a 7-2 win at Wealdstone over the weekend, Bennett has quickly captured the hearts of Pools fans as they hope for a Football League return.

Bennett’s goals have helped Pools rise to the top of the National League with six games remaining.

The striker’s parent club Stockport currently sit fourth but will be able to recall the striker at any time from April 29, leaving Hartlepool vulnerable.

“[Being recalled] is out of my control and I can just focus on being positive and having as much impact as I can for Hartlepool,” Bennett said.

“If it happens then it happens but it’s out of my control.The new gaffer came in at Stockport and I was under-performing at the time which is down to me but the opportunity came up to come to Hartlepool and play games, get my confidence back and keep scoring goals.”

Stockport’s decision to loan Bennett out to a promotion rival above them at the table raised a few eyebrows when it was announced but the player felt it was the best move for him both personally and professionally.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of months for me where I haven’t had a lot of game time but I’ve came here and I’m enjoying it,” he admitted.

“I’m glad to be out there and helping the team get to where they want to be. I’m enjoying my football here, when you’re scoring goals it makes everything easier.

“Looking back, you don’t realise but Hartlepool create plenty of opportunities as a side and it’s not just one or two chances.

"I’ve got to look at myself first and foremost as to why I wasn’t playing [at Stockport] but here I’m playing as much as I can.

“I just want to keep playing, I’m playing here and enjoying it and I play my best football when I’m enjoying myself.

"Things are going well at Hartlepool so far but I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep doing what I’m doing going into the next game.”

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