Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor nervous ahead of play-off semi-final at Stockport County

His Pools’ side are potentially 90-minutes from a play-off final and a chance at promotion back to the Football League after a four year absence.

First, they’ll have to get past Stockport County who are currently 18 games unbeaten going into Sunday’s semi-final (12pm kick-off).

"It’s only natural to be nervous because the season is on the line but it’s a great nervous to have,” Challinor told The Mail.

“I’m definitely more nervous as a manager and I always have been. When you’re a player you can have a direct impact on what goes on in the game.

"As a manager, I’d love to be able to run around the pitch and be closer to players if you like. That’s not the case and the touchline can be a lonely place in hours that aren’t very good to be fair.

"From a coaching perspective, it’s what you sign up to and you know the work we’re doing through the week is the most important because you know on Saturday or Sunday in this case we can only have a minimal impact in terms of what we do from the side of the pitch.

"We speak to players before the match and at half time and have three potential changes we can make to alter the flow of the game but we’re limited to that.

"Hopefully all the hard work we’ve done this week will stand us in good stead and we can have an enjoyable Sunday watching and supporting as we look to progress.”

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