Hartlepool United in financial trouble

In December Hartlepool United Football Club were put up for sale amid increasing debts. It is believed that the North East side need to raise £200,000 before January 25 to avoid immediate administration.

The financial crisis comes just six months after the club were taken over by HUFC Holdings, a company owned by Duxbury and Sage Investments. The new owners outlined a three-year-vision to stabilise the club.

However, a club statement in December stated that: “Upon the change of ownership, the Club became aware of a number of legacy issues that have consumed huge financial and human resources.”

Hartlepool United were relegated from the Football League last May thanks to Mark O’Brien’s 89^th minute winner for Newport against Notts County. That meant the Welsh club went above Pools who had beaten already promoted Doncaster. The result ended Hartlepool’s 96-year stay in the top four flights of English football.

Since the December statement, Hartlepool fans, other football fans, celebrities and former football players have donated to help save the Non-League side. A crowdfunding page set up by Hartlepool fan Rachel Cartwright has raised over £27,000 from 1,300 individual donations.

However, some fans from local rivals Darlington have had no sympathy with their local rivals after some of Pools’ fans mocked Darlington’s demise when they went into administration for the third time in 2012. Hartlepool’s club mascot H’Angus was pictured with a broken bucket alluding to Darlington’s lack of cash while fans sang songs praising chairman Georgie Reynolds.

https://twitter.com/wakeinator/status/951567654267097090 

The rest of the footballing community though has largely been sympathetic to the demise of a team who reached the League One play-off final in just 2005. Hartlepool United could be the next to join a growing list of teams, including Boston United, Northwich Victoria, Rushden & Diamonds and Stockport County, who entered administration.

Funds

In recent days there are signs of encouragement that the North East side will meet their target of £200,000 in order to pay bills for January.

Alongside the £27,000 raised by football fans across the country, the club have sold 17-year-old striker Connor Simpson to Preston North End for a reported fee of £50,000. The youngster original stalled on signing a professional contract in December but due to the current financial position the two clubs agreed a fee without it having to go to a tribunal.

Footballers Danny Graham and Jordan Hugill have both contributed to the appeal. Graham, who was born in Gateshead and has played for Middlesbrough and Blackburn, has donated £2,500 to the crowdfund. Former Hartlepool striker Hugill has donated his match-worn shirt from the Exeter City game in which he scored the winning goal which helped secure League survival in 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDNmAGUK7FU

Star of Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News and outspoken Hartlepool fan Jeff Stelling has revealed he is in talks with a potential investor whom he will meet on January 15. Stelling is the club’s honorary president and has said he will put some of his money in if a takeover with the Supporters Club works out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3hzoDl477M

Worries

These financial troubles come during a dreadful first season in the National League. They were winless in their first six league games of the season. They currently sit 17^th having won just eight of their 28 league games. A possible ten point deduction for entering administration would put the Pools in the relegation places.

Ahead of their game against Dagenham & Redbridge, a team located 261 miles South of Hartlepool, they were not allowed access to their training kit due to an unpaid laundrette bill. They also couldn’t afford to stay overnight meaning preparation was far from ideal. They lost the game 4-2.

While the generous donations may be enough to get the Pools through January. Beyond that, any takeover remains a long way off despite two interested parties.  A statement on the club website on the  January 11 stated: “We need as many genuine people as possible to join together to buy the Club but if a consortium or a buyer cannot be found in the near future, administration is a very real prospect.” 

Football betting preview -14/10/2017

Two Championship fancies and one League Two selection on a football filled Saturday…

Norwich City V Hull City

Norwich enjoyed an unbeaten September picking up 14 points from a possible 18 and conceding just one league goal. They enjoyed wins against Birmingham, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Reading. Admittedly their away form has been better than their home, with three of the aforementioned wins coming on their travels. However, that can change with victory against a Hull side who haven’t won away since the 25^th October 2016 (2-1 V Bristol City). While Hull have scored 22 league goals this season, the most in the Championship, 14 of them were scored against Burton, Birmingham and Bolton who sit 21^st, 22^nd and 24^th respectively. An inform Norwich team are value at EVS.

Hull set for more away misery at Norwich

Bolton Wanderers V Sheffield Wednesday

Bolton are in poor form. They have failed to score in their last eight games in all competitions, losing all of them. Their only two league points have come against Birmingham (22^nd) and Millwall (14^th). Sheffield Wednesday come into this game on the back of a 3-0 home victory against Leeds United. Bolton’s only two wins of the season came in the EFL Cup in August, first a 2-1 victory at Crewe and then a 3-2 home win against Wednesday. I wouldn’t read too much into cup games though and would be surprised if that result was repeated. Sheffield Wednesday are also boosted by the returns of Sam Hutchinson, Jack Hunt and Glenn Loovens while a decision will be made on Keiren Westwood before kick-off. Wednesday to win are value here at 21/20 while Wednesday to win to nil at 11/5 (Marathon Bet) appeals.

Grimsby Town V Crawley Town

Grimsby have improved since picking up just 3 points from a possible 12 in August, losing just one of their last six league games. Admittedly Crawley have picked up ten of the thirteen points on their travels this season. Six of those points though came against Barnet (19^th) and last time out against Morecambe (21^st), Grimsby will be a much tougher test. Crawley will be weakened after defender Lewis Young sustained a groin strain at Morecambe, while Jordan Roberts and Josh Yorwerth are suspended. Grimsby can be backed at generous odds of 29/20 (Betfair).

 

Football League Betting Preview

Three fancies on a day where League One and Two take centre stage…

Walsall V Shrewsbury Town

The League One leaders make the relatively short journey to Walsall who sit 16^th. Walsall have conceded in every league and cup game this season, and have the third worse defensive record in the league. Shrewsbury in comparison have scored in all their fixtures so far. A slight worry is that Shrewsbury will be without talented loan stopper Dean Henderson who is on international duty with England’s Under-21s. This could hand only a second league start to Craig MacGillivray who was signed from Walsall in the summer. Walsall themselves though are without the talented Tyler Roberts who is away on international duty with Wales Under-21s. The West Brom loanee has scored three in six for the Saddlers. Although Walsall are still unbeaten at home, Shrewsbury have beaten Doncaster, Oldham and AFC Wimbledon on the road already this campaign and are well worth backing at odds of 9/5.

Rochdale V Rotherham United

Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Stoke U21s stretched Rochdale’s unbeaten run to five games – without conceding a single goal along the way. They beat Gillingham 3-0 in mid-September before two 0-0 draws away from home against Blackpool and AFC Wimbledon. Rotherham sit above their opponents in the League after winning five of their six home league games so far. On the road however, they have continued to struggle, after losing 21 of 23 Championship away games last season. The Millers have won just one of five this campaign, scoring twice. Rochdale are worth a gamble at 7/4 (Bet365).

Rotherham will also be without stopper Marek Rodak who is on internation duty with Slovakia U21’s.

Crewe Alexandra V Stevenage

A simple look at the form book would probably be enough to suggest that Stevenage are a good bet. They have won their last three league fixtures while Crewe have lost their last five. Stevenage are also good on the road winning three and drawing one of their five away trips. They beat Carlisle United 2-0 at Brunton Park after the Cumbrians had just beaten Crewe 5-0 away. Including Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy defeat against Oldham, The Railwaymen made in three home games in a row without a goal. At 11/8 (Bet365) for a Stevenage win, there’s some value to be had.

 

Three things to watch out for in League Two this weekend

Three things to watch out for in League Two this weekend – A former striker returning as manager, two fiery local derbies and Forest Green Rovers’ tough test.

1) Jack Lester makes managerial bow at Chesterfield –

Chesterfield have made former striker Jack Lester their permanent manager after Gary Caldwell was sacked earlier this month. The Spireites sit 23^rd in League Two after relegation from League One last season. Chesterfield lost 3-2 at home to Yeovil in midweek, conceding to a James Bailey header in injury time which led to caretaker boss Guy Branston departing. They’ve turned to Lester who became U18 coach at Nottingham Forest in 2015 and led them to the Professional Development League title. He was made U23 coach ahead of the 2016/17 season. He starts his league managerial career with a winnable game at home to Cheltenham Town.

 

Former player Lester in action against Northampton Town 

 

2) Two derby fixtures –

League Two kicks off at 1pm with two derby fixtures, Mansfield Town V Notts County and Grimsby Town V Lincoln City. League leaders Notts County haven’t lost since the opening day and they take on Mansfield who suffered a 3-0 defeat at Cheltenham on Tuesday and had manager Steve Evans sent to the stand. Lincoln and Grimsby sit 12^th and 13^th respectively so a tight game is anticipated. Lincoln gave goalkeeper Josh Vickers his debut on Tuesday night in their 2-1 win v Barnet so he could keep his place.

Mansfield boss Steve Evans 

 

3) Lacklustre Forest Green Rovers – Since their only league win of the season against Yeovil in September, the league newcomers have only picked up one point and scored just four. They take on an inform Accrington side who sit third. Rover’s manager Mark Cooper made five changes to his starting squad for Tuesday’s game at Cambridge but no avail, losing the game 3-0. Rovers will have to keep an eye on Accrington striker Billy Kee who is currently joint top scorer in League Two with seven to his name.

Race for the League Two play-offs is on – Part Two

The three automatic promotion places have already been filled in League Two, with Doncaster Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth securing their spots in League One with games to spare. However, the play-off race is wide open with ten teams still fighting for them. Part one here – https://jackcousin.wordpress.com/2017/04/20/race-for-the-league-two-play-off-places-is-on-part-one/?preview_id=472&preview_nonce=754393cad0

Crawley Town V Carlisle United

Crawley Town have had a dreadful April, picking up only one point and scoring one goal. Carlisle were top of the league on Boxing Day but have suffered in 2017. Two draws over Easter saw the Cumbrians fall out of the top seven.

Crawley have defender Josh Yorwerth available after he completed a suspension. Matt Harold, who has not started a game since November, could also return. The Cumbrians have striker Shaun Miller back from suspension. They will have to wait on the fitness of Jason Kennedy who sat out both Easter fixtures. Former Crawley man Nicky Adams should be available from the start.

Prediction
Carlisle played well on Monday against Stevenage and a similar performance here should be enough to see off Crawley. Striker Jabo Ibehre has three in his last three and will be a threat. Carlisle have a habit of making things difficult for themselves though. 1-2

 

Ibehre has three goals in three games for Carlisle

Portsmouth V Cambridge

A solid April saw Portsmouth finally confirm their promotion to League One. Cambridge themselves have been going strong with three wins from four this month.

Jamal Lowe could start after his two goals against Notts County on Monday confirmed their promotion. Noel Hunt is a doubt while fellow strikers Eoin Doyle and Curtis Main are out for the rest of the season. The U’s were buoyed by the return of winger Piero Mingoia on Monday and he should start again. Gerry McDonagh could feature from the bench but Barry Corr is still out.

Prediction
Pompey have only lost two of their eleven home games in 2017. Cambridge pick up points on the road though with notable wins against Carlisle, Cheltenham and Crewe recently. Portsmouth’s party should continue, though they will be made to work for it. 1-0

Colchester United V Plymouth Argyle

Unbeaten in their last three including an emphatic victory over Stevenage, Colchester will be looking to sneak into a play-off place with victory over promoted Plymouth. Plymouth secured promotion in style with a 6-1 win against Newport County. They only sit three points behind leaders Doncaster so the fight for the title is still on.

Midfielder Tom Lapslie should be fit again after picking up an injury against Doncaster on Easter Friday. Sammie Szmodics, Kurtis Guthrie, Craig Slater, Frankie Kent, Denny Johnstone and Luke Prosser are all still injured for the home side. Plymouth should have defender Sonny Bradley available for selection but striker Ryan Brunt is out for the rest of the season.

Prediction
Colchester have coped surprisingly well without key players like Szmodics and Guthrie but this could be a game too far. Plymouth’s away form is strong and that will continue here. 0-2

Newport County V Accrington Stanley

Accrington Stanley are the form team in league two and are currently 15 games unbeaten. That runs includes wins away at Plymouth and Exeter. Newport had won their first three games in April all 1-0 but were thrashed 6-1 at Plymouth on Easter Monday. Newport still sit in the relegation but are just one point behind Hartlepool.

Sean Clare and Aaron Davies will be hoping to make the match day squad after returning from injury. Newport captain Joss Labadie is available after suspension. Scot Bennett and David Pipe have injury concerns.

Prediction
Accrington should have too much quality for Newport. If inform winger Shay McCartan and striker Billy Kee are in the mood Accrington could win comfortably. 1-3

 

Shay McCartan has played an integral role in Accrington’s rise up the table

Wycombe Wanderers V Doncaster Rovers

Wycombe are down in 13^th place but are just two points off the play-off places. Seven points from a possible twelve have kept Wycombe on track. Doncaster still have a league title to fight for and will be looking for a response after Monday’s defeat.

Myles Weston could force himself into the starting line-up after being an unused substitute on Monday. Doncaster are set to welcome back captain James Coppinger and key players Andy Butler, Ian Lawlor and Liam Mandeville. Matty Blair is suspended after being sent-off against Blackpool.

Prediction
The return off key players should see Doncaster over the line here. Doncaster have not lost back-to-back league games all season and I can’t see that trend being broken with a league title left to fight for. 1-2

 

Race for the League Two play-off places is on – Part One

The three automatic promotion places have already been filled in League Two, with Doncaster Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth securing their spots in League One with games to spare. However, the play-off race is wide open with ten teams still fighting for them.

The Fixtures – Part One

Luton Town V Notts County

Luton Town look the likeliest to be in the final four play-off spots as they currently sit four points clear of eighth placed Carlisle with three games to go. Luton are unbeaten in April, winning two and drawing two. They come up against Notts County, who under the guidance of Kevin Nolan have secured their league two status for next season.

Jordan Cook is Luton’s only doubt ahead of Saturday. Striker Danny Hylton, who was named in the League Two PFA Team of the Year, should be fit after playing and scoring last time out against Mansfield. Notts County will be without captain Michael O’Connor after he was stretchered off against Portsmouth on Monday. Striker Shola Ameobi should be fit.

Prediction
Luton’s home form has been stuttering of late with only one win in their last four, including a draw against bottom club Leyton Orient. Notts County have enjoyed recent success on the road including a win at Carlisle. 1-1

Luton’s play-off aspirations rely on the form of striker Danny Hylton

Stevenage V Mansfield Town

Both teams still have play-off aspirations. Stevenage had won all eight of their home games in 2017 until Morecambe came away with a 1-0 win on Easter Friday. Mansfield come into this one on the back of an away win at Wycombe and a point at home V Luton.

Stevenage top scorer Matt Godden is out for the season with a toe injury. Goalkeeper Jamie Jones will be hoping to keep his place in the starting eleven after coming in for Chris Day on Monday. Ben Kennedy and Ronnie Henry are in contention. Mansfield only have the one injury concern with goalkeeper Scott Shearer expected to miss out again.

Prediction
The loss of striker Matt Godden leaves Stevenage short up front. They struggled to create chances on Monday and were lucky to come away with a point against Carlisle. Mansfield don’t score too many themselves. 0-0

Exeter V Morecambe
Sixth placed Exeter entertain Morecambe on Saturday. Like many of their play-off rivals, the Grecians struggle to put a consistent run of results together having won two and lost two of their four games in April. Despite having nothing to play for Morecambe having taken points off two play-off contenders Wycombe and Colchester over Easter.

Exeter have concerns over the fitness of centre-back Troy Archibald-Henville after he only lasted 45 minutes against Cambridge on Easter Monday. Lee Holmes and Jack Stacey are pushing for starts after coming off the bench in the 1-0 defeat.

Prediction
Exeter have a strike force who know where the goal is. Ollie Watkins and Rueben Reid can score goals against any team in this league. Other than the bottom three clubs, Morecambe have the worst defensive record of anyone else. 2-0

Blackpool V Cheltenham Town

Blackpool moved into the play-off places on Monday after Jordan Flores converted a 91^st minute penalty. Cheltenham boosted their survival hopes with an important win against Grimsby Town last time out.

Blackpool will be without striker Jamille Matt for at least two weeks after picking up an injury on Monday. Jack Payne and Kyle Vassell have been training and are hoping for starts. Cheltenham have no injury worries ahead of this one and boss Russ Milton could name an unchanged team.

Prediction
Blackpool rarely lose at home and Cheltenham rarely win away. 3-0

Jamille Matt is out for Blackpool

PART TWO TOMORROW

 

Newport County V Doncaster Rovers – Match Preview

League leaders Doncaster Rovers travel south to play bottom club Newport County on Friday night.

Rovers, unbeaten in nine, could go eight points clear at the top of League Two with a victory over Newport, who themselves are unbeaten in four.

Transfer listed trio Jack Compton, Mark Randall and Ben Tozer are not being considered for selection by County boss Graham Westley. Duo Joss Labadie and Jazz Barnum-Bobb are also still sidelined.

Westley told the BBC: “It has been a difficult few days with lots of bodies in the treatment room. So we will see how it pans out, we don’t know with some of the lads. One or two others have quite nasty knocks and won’t be training, but we will work it out as the week unfolds.”

Doncaster will be without striker Liam Mandeville who has an ankle injury, but long-serving midfielder James Coppinger should be fit.

On Mandeville, Doncaster boss Darren Ferguson told the club website: “It is a pity because he can give us a different option. It’s a real shame for the boy, because it can show how easily you can be on a high and how quickly it can change.”

Doncaster won the earlier game between the two sides in September 2-0, with goals from James Coppinger and Andy Williams. However, the pitch at Rodney Parade might make it difficult for Ferguson’s side to play their neat passing game which has brought them so much success this season.