Pete Wild’s Hartlepool United to enter pivotal run of games in National League
It is heating up at the bottom end of the National League, writes Adam Bell.
It is heating up at the bottom end of the National League as Hartlepool United currently sit in the relegation zone before their upcoming home fixture against Wealdstone.
A win for Pete Wild’s side could see them climb out of the relegation zone depending on results elsewhere. Of the surrounding teams, Gateshead, Scunthorpe United and Solihull Moors occupy the other three relegation spots, all with fewer points than Pools.
Outside of the relegation zone only two points separates Pools in 21st from 20th placed Tamworth. The Heed who have faced struggles on and off the pitch have only picked up one win since August under previous manager Lee Cattermole. Having only won their second competitive game last Tuesday against Stoke City U21’s 3-2 in the National League Cup.
Scunthorpe United who finished inside the play-off spots last season sit 23rd having recently sacked Andy Butler off the back of six defeats in a row. The Irons currently sit five points adrift of safety.
As for the Moors, they are picking up form as of late winning their last two beating Wealdstone (3-2) away and Kidderminster Harriers (2-1 at home). A win away at Sutton United this weekend could be vital for gaining points on the board for Chris Millington’s side.
Following the appointment of Wild, there has been some change with tactical tweaks in comparison to the previous head coach Lee Clark. Clark originally set-up with a 4-4-2.
However, since Wild has come in, he has implemented his own style with a 3-5-2 style of play prioritising defensive sort of style rather than attack and, he can transition to a 4-2-3-1 in some games depending on the in-game situation.
It has been a minor improvement in this period of him inheriting a squad low on confidence as to where they find themselves in the league so far this season. His next three games are pivotal as to where they could find themselves in terms of league position, with Pools playing three sides down the bottom end of the table.
Pools last game against Boreham Wood proved that Wild’s side could go toe-to-toe with one of the most competitive sides in the division. Although, two late goals sealed their fate as Matt Rush scored the winner displaying maybe a weak mentality towards seeing their comeback out towards the end of the game.
The midfield of Cole Deeming, Jamie Miley and Nathan Sheron has fitted the system and worked well so far as Miley and Deeming grabbed goals in the defeat against Boreham Wood away. As well, Sheron is well-liked by the manager and sees him as a perfect suit to his side.
The extended loan of centre back Sam Lavelle will be crucial as he has displayed performances of solidity alongside the comeback of centre back Maxim Kouogun, following his injury will help stabilise the Pools defence.
Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United transfer news: Defender extends loan deal by a month