Pools are gearing up to entertain Crawford's Altrincham on Saturday in what will be the first home game since American businessman and investor Landon Smith completed his takeover of the club from controversial former owner Raj Singh on New Year's Eve. With the new owner set to be in attendance on Saturday, Crawford and the Robins will be hoping they can dampen what promises to be a celebratory atmosphere at the weekend as Pools usher in a potentially exciting new era. Of course, Featherstone knows Crawford well with the pair having played together at Victoria Park prior to the 26-year-old's release at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Crawford, renowned as a composed, ball-playing midfielder, first signed for Pools in August 2020 and went on to score six goals in 116 matches, featuring 18 times as the club won promotion back to the Football League in the 2020/21 season. Since leaving Victoria Park, Crawford has gone on to establish himself as a regular in Altrincham's midfield, playing 67 times and captaining the Robins against Pools last season. While Featherstone was full of praise for his friend and former teammate, he admitted he was hoping the midfielder wouldn't have cause to celebrate on his return as Pools look to mark Smith's first home game with a much-needed win. "It's always nice to see Crawfs, he's a top guy and a good footballer," he said. "He's one we'll have to be aware of - hopefully he has an off-day on Saturday. "He's a top lad and a top player." Your next Hartlepool United read: Southend United boss confirms Hartlepool United target set to leave
