Hartlepool United No1 Nick Hayes responds to criticism this season
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It has been a turbulent spell at Hartlepool United for goalkeeper Nick Hayes, which has included the 7-0 thrashing away at Wealdstone, but he says criticism is just part of the life of a keeper.
The former Ipswich Town and Barnet stopper joined Pools from National League rivals Southend United in January as one of a number of additions following Landon Smith’s successful takeover at the club.
After marking his debut with a clean sheet in a 1-0 win against Altrincham, Hayes went on to make 19 consecutive appearances - but was not in the matchday squad for Saturday’s defeat at Boston United as Nicky Featherstone’s managerial reign came to an end with a loss in Lincolnshire. His future remains unclear.
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When asked about how he deals with criticism, Hayes said: “As a goalie, you have to know you are going to make mistakes. That is the one thing you can guarantee as a goalkeeper, you are going to chuck in a few goals and not have great performances.
“That’s the one thing. You can have 10 or 15 games where you can perform well, have big moments, then have one or two bad games, and you start getting criticised. I’m used to that now, especially in this league, especially when you play for big clubs.
“Big clubs have high expectations, like the fans and people around the club should. But I don’t think a couple of performances where I know I’ve not been at the level, it shouldn’t take away from that. It shouldn’t be ‘oh he’s had a bad game where he has conceded seven’. It shouldn’t take away from everything else you’ve done and I am not bothered about criticism.
“Every single player is going to get it at some point. If people want to criticise me, go for it, it’s not going to bother me at the end of the day, it doesn't bother me.”
Hayes is one of several players who find themselves without a contract heading into what is sure to be another summer of major change at Pools and that is a new experience for the 27-year-old. However, he has previously admitted he understands why such a situation is common place in the National League and stressed he has not been affected by the wait for news over what could lie ahead.
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