Hartlepool United striker Alex Reid reveals he's "rooting for" interim boss Nicky Featherstone to be named next permanent Pools manager
Hartlepool United striker Alex Reid has thrown his support behind interim manager Nicky Featherstone, with the frontman admitting he's "rooting for him to get the job".
While Featherstone, who has spent more than a decade at Victoria Park and has overseen a run of five matches unbeaten, remains among the favourites to succeed former boss Simon Grayson on a permanent basis, Pools have also been strongly linked with the likes of Chris Beech and Phil Parkinson of late.
Despite a nightmarish start to life in the dugout as Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup in abject fashion by Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity, the 37-year-old appears to have turned things around of late and his side look to be heading in the right direction.
Although, in general, performances have been more battling than breathtaking, a run of nine points from 15 available under Featherstone, who has now been in temporary charge for well over a month, has seen Pools reenergise their faltering play-off hopes.
While Featherstone's lack of any managerial experience other than the last few weeks represents a significant concern in the eyes of many fans, few would dispute that the veteran midfielder, who is the club's third highest appearance-maker of all-time, is well-placed to understand the potential perils and pitfalls that come with managing Pools.
There were positives to take, too, from Saturday's 1-1 draw with in-form Wealdstone, not least the fact that Reid ended a barren run of nine matches without a goal thanks to a superb strike against one of his former sides.
The 30-year-old, who found the net 17 times in 32 games during a prolific spell on loan with the Stones last term, lashed home the opening goal on just his second start since September as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
With speculation rife that Pools could soon be set to make a decision on their next permanent boss, Reid has thrown his support behind Featherstone following his successful spell in caretaker charge.
"I've been loving it under Nicky," he told the Red Radio.
"It's been really positive - three draws and two wins.
"You can't really count the first game because he was in charge for maybe a day or two.
"For me, I'm rooting for him to get the job."
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