Hartlepool have managed to offload a lot of their deadwood…
Over the years Pools have been guilty of holding onto players beyond their sell by date. Heroes have become pariahs in the space of a season as legends have become fan’s whipping boys. The club must learn to let go and most certainly not go back as Adam Boyd and Steve Howard have most recently proven. Hartlepool’s over indulgence in sentimentality signings has plighted them for years- supporters will hope that in the future they will not return to a 40 year old Ritchie Humphreys as he enters his swan-song season.
Anthony Sweeney has been a fantastic servant for the club but the past three seasons have been disappointing campaigns for the “box to box” midfielder who quite simply does nothing. Just a year shy of his testimonial the club offered him reduced terms before he decided to link up with local Carlisle. Pools released five players in all with Simon Walton, presumably on high wages, and winger Andy Monkhouse the most notable exits. Currently, Hartlepool have replaced only two of their departing players leaving fans nervously awaiting transfer activity.
The ridding of Hartlepool’s deadwood has been needed for years and with no Steve Howard shaped shadow looming over Victoria Park this season, the club could enjoy a new lease of life.
