Moore: Marlon Harewood’s barnstormer for Hartlepool against Southend was ‘long overdue’

MARLON Harewood’s barnstorming performance in the defeat to Southend United was “long overdue” admits manager Ronnie Moore.
By Richard Mennear
Published 10th Apr 2015, 14:15 BST
ON THE ATTACK: Marlon Harewood in action for Hartlepool United against Southend United. Picture by FRANK REIDON THE ATTACK: Marlon Harewood in action for Hartlepool United against Southend United. Picture by FRANK REID
ON THE ATTACK: Marlon Harewood in action for Hartlepool United against Southend United. Picture by FRANK REID

The experienced 35-year-old came on for the injured Jordan Hugill in the opening few minutes of the Easter Monday loss and impressed leading the line, despite the defeat.

If the on-loan Preston North End striker fails to make the starting line-up at York City tomorrow then Harewood is again set to be the target man alongside Jonathan Franks.

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Moore has praised his impact and has called on the former West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United striker to show more consistency if he wants to remain in the side.

“Marlon put in a shift when he came on but he is 6ft 4” and he should be knocking people about and holding balls up,” Moore told SportMail.

“Where he has played in his career, people may say he is getting on, but you shouldn’t lose the ability to lead the line.

“And he did that against Southend and he had a couple of chances.

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“I was pleased for him because, if Hugill is not right, then Harewood will have to go up there and do exactly the same, so we need to make sure it is not a one off.”

Harewood’s substitute appearance at Victoria Park on Monday was his 500th league appearance of his career,

But he has scored just twice in 33 appearances so far this campaign.

The Pools boss insists it is down to the frontman, himself, whether he will stay in the side that is battling against relegation out of the league.

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Moore added: “Southend was the best performance he has come up with in a while and he knows it was long overdue.

“He has been involved with the side, and players look up to Maz because of where he has been and what he has done.

“But you still have to go out and do it.

“Since I have been here, that is the best he has done.

“And if he had been doing that week in, week out, then he certainly wouldn’t be sat on the bench.

“That leadership and strength is important to us and he has good feet for a big guy.

“He needs to do that again if Jordan doesn’t make it.

“It is down to him whether he stays in or not between now and the end of the season,” added Moore ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bootham Crescent.

Related topics:HartlepoolSouthendWest Ham UnitedPreston North End