We caught up with Mark Tinkler prior to Pools' game against another of his former Clubs, Southend United in February 2008.

Mark Tinkler reckons it's a clash of two great football clubs at The Vic tonight - but he hopes Pools edge the game between two of his former teams.

The midfield schemer played for both Southend and Pools before moving north of the border to join Livingston in the summer but he still holds both clubs in high regard.

Tinkler signed for Southend in August 1999 before moving on to Pools the following November and he admits that a lot of water has gone under the bridge for both clubs during the past eight years.

"They've both done well really and come a long way since I first signed for the two clubs," he commented.

"When I was at Southend they were always looking to get promotion but they've done excellently in the last few years under Steve Tilson.

"He's done a fantastic job at Southend - I know they were relegated last season but they look like they have a strong foundation on which to build for the future.

"There were some good people at the Club when I was there and I really enjoyed my time with Southend.

"The only thing was that it was a long way from my family and that proved quite difficult for me but the football side of things was very enjoyable.

"Southend have been up in the Championship level before last season but Pools as a Club are all set-up to make that next step."

Tinkler suffered a stop-start beginning to his career with Scottish First Division outfit Livingstone when he broke his ribs in only his second game.

After fighting back from that to regain his place in the team he has just been forced to sit out another fortnight after injuring his calf.

But now, back to full fitness and raring to go, Tinkler admits his move further North has been an enjoyable experience so far.

"It's good - we're up and down but I'm enjoying my time here.

"We're different class one week and then poor the next which is frustrating but we've got some young players who are still learning the game.

"I'm not sure we can challenge right at the very top this season now but I'm hopeful we can get in to the top four if we start finding some consistency ourselves."

And it's consistency that Tinkler hopes can be found at Victoria Park in the rest of the campaign as he looks on at a frustrating start to 2008 for Pools.

"Obviously they're not in a good run right at the moment but I'm certain they have the quality there capable of making the step up in the future.

"I still stay in touch with a lot of the lads at Pools and speak to Micky Barron, Micky Nelson, Ben Clark and Antony Sweeney quite regularly.

"I watch out for the results and it's disappointing more haven't gone for them this season but hopefully they can pick themselves up and start making a move for the play-offs.

"Consistency is obviously a massive part of football and if you can put four or five wins together it can make all the difference in terms of league placing and confidence.

"They have good quality players and I'm sure they'll be moving in the right direction over the next few weeks."

And as two of his former clubs go head to head, is Tinkler willing to put his reputation on the line and predict a winner?

"I'll definitely be going for Hartlepool," he laughed.

"I haven't put a betting coupon on for a while but I'm thinking about it on Tuesday night so the lads better not let me down - it's about time they won me some money!"

This article was first published in the Club's Matchday Magazine, Never Say Die.