Jamie Miley learning from ex-Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United duo
Jamie Miley has been speaking ahead of the trip to Sutton United.
Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark & first team coach Adam Clayton know a thing or two about playing in midfield.
The pair enjoyed stellar careers and both played in the top flight during their respective playing careers - and Pools midfielder Jamie Miley is enjoying learning from them both.
Clark, who took charge this summer, played for the likes of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham, while Clayton featured for Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town. Clayton was this summer named as new assistant first team head coach, forming a part of Clark’s backroom staff at Pools, with Gary Liddle already in position as first team coach. During his playing days, Clayton made more than 500 senior appearances across the Premier League, Championship and EFL.
Reflecting on working closely with the duo, Pools midfielder Miley said: “The manager and the staff have been great since they came in, and we can learn a lot from all of them. The manager’s playing career speaks for itself, and we can learn a lot from his experience. We learn from him every day, and it’s the same with Lids and Clates. They’ve both had really good careers, so there is plenty of experience for us to draw upon. I’ve already learned a lot from them.”
Pools head to Sutton United on Saturday in fine form with two wins and two clean sheets from their opening two National League games. Miley added: “It’s the start we wanted, winning our first two games at home and away. There’s a lot of confidence within the group, but we can’t get too confident. We know there’s still a long way to go and plenty of work to do. It’s about having that confidence while continuing to push ourselves because we’re only two games into the season.”
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“The clean sheets are a credit to the whole team, everyone has defended the box really well, whether that has been in open play or from set-pieces. The two victories have shown what this group is capable of. Barrow was a physical game with a lot of individual battles, and we had to stand up to that. The substitutes who came on were excellent as well. They will have been disappointed not to start, but they made a big impact and helped us win the game. It’s always difficult away from home in this league, but we found a way to win at Aldershot. We’re delighted with the first two results.”
Pools enjoyed an incredibly busy summer with 13 players released and 14 new faces added to the squad. Promotion is the aim this season and Miley has praised the impact of the new signings.
Speaking at the club’s Maiden Castle base, he added: “It would be unfair to single anybody out because everyone has been excellent since coming in. They’ve brought character, a brilliant attitude and a willingness to work hard, as well as plenty of ability with the ball. The group is in a really good place.
“Competition is always healthy. If you don’t have it, there’s a problem. It drives you on, and we push each other to get the best out of ourselves. When that happens, the team benefits. It’s a really healthy squad and a good place to be at the moment.”
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