Ronnie ‘he bets when he wants’ Moore humbled by support from Tranmere Rovers and Hartlepool United

The Hartlepool United manager was sacked by relegation rivals Rovers back in April last year following a breach of betting rules.

He admitted he was concerned over what reaction he would get on his return to Prenton Park.

But he needn’t have been as large sections of the home support gave him a standing ovation when he arrived in the dug out and the 420 travelling Pools fans sung his name throughout.

Moore praised the Pools fans for their “fantastic” support as his side picked up a point after the 1-1 draw.

One of their favourite songs was “Ronnie Moore, he bets when he wants” to which the boss responded with a big thumbs up from the dugout.

Reflecting on the Pools support, Moore said: “The support was fantastic – they have to improve the songs they are singing mind – but apart from that they were brilliant!”

As well as losing his job as Tranmere boss the former striker was also fined £2,000 and given a one-month ban, suspended for two years, after he admitted an FA charge relating to betting on competitions and matches in which his club was involved.

Moore broke the rules after placing bets for family members from his account, which on one occasion included a £1 stake on Tranmere to win in a double with Manchester United, which returned less than £4.

After Moore left, Rovers went on to be relegated into League Two and are now battling with Pools for league survival.

Moore added: “It is humbling some times but the fans realised the position I was in and how stupid it was.

“What happened cost them going down. It is as simple as that as far as I am concerned.

“I have had a lot of time at Tranmere as player, manager and coach and to get everyone clapping me was great.

“It was nice to be back here, the response was brilliant and I thank the home fans for that.”