Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses his highlight of the 2019-20 National League campaign and which two matches stand out

Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor. Picture by FRANK REID | Johnston Press Resell

Dave Challinor’s first season at Hartlepool United had plenty of standout moments – but there was just one big highlight for the manager.

Challinor arrived at Pools less than a month after leaving National League rivals AFC Fylde, who he had guided to play-off final and FA Trophy in the previous campaign.

Things couldn’t have got off to a better start for the new Hartlepool manager as his side won 4-1 at Yeovil Town in the FA Cup first round in his first game in charge.

A 5-1 win at Chesterfield followed shortly afterwards as Pools’ fortunes gradually started to turn around as they climbed toward the play-off places.

Hartlepool United's Aidan Keena celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Stockport County at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 25th January 2020. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) | Other 3rd Party

The side would also go on to progress through to the third round of the FA Cup by beating League Two high-flyers Exeter City after coming from two goals down. But in terms of picking a single standout moment from his first season in charge, Challinor struggled.

“The big highlight for me wasn’t a particular moment if you like, it’s hard to choose,” he admitted.

“The highlight has been just coming to this club and being so well received and the support I've had off the pitch from the staff and things like that.

“Everyone has been brilliant and obviously the supporters have been fantastic and that’s only given me further anticipation and desire to get back at it and push on.

“We’ve made good steps but there’s a lot more to come and that’s reinvigorated things and made things more exciting for when next season finally comes around.”

While Challinor refrained from picking out a single moment, he was keen to reflect on two key games that epitomised the potential and positivity surrounding Pools toward the back and of the campaign.

“Two games stick out for me and those were both at home,” he added.

“With any game, atmosphere is created by opposition fans as well as our own fans so the Stockport County game and the Notts County games were great.

“They’re two big ex-football league teams who brought good followings and that banter between the fans riles things up and those atmospheres brought out great performances from our players and led to two fantastic [2-0] wins.”

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