Micky Barron has paid tribute to his weary players after seeing them beaten 4-1 by Manchester United in the Slemish Trophy Final in Northern Ireland.
The Pools youngsters excelled at the tournament and made Barron and the rest of his coaching staff proud during their week-long stay.
"They've done ever so well really, we can all be extremely happy with the way things have gone," he told us.
"We have more or less finished 10th in the whole competition and out of 24 that isn't too bad at all so the lads should be proud of themselves.
"They have worked hard and put in plenty of effort during a hard schedule of games so to come away with a medal from the Final today is good reward for them."
Pools fell behind to Manchester United inside two minutes when an unlucky deflected shot found its way in to the net.
However, Barron's men showed great character to respond and they were back on level terms when Steven Snaith seized on some sloppy play by a defender to score.
The Old Trafford outfit restored their lead just before half time and then two late goals added extra gloss to their victory.
"We've got no complaints with the result really - they were the better side.
"Losing an early goal was a big blow for us but we can back well; in the end though it was just one step too far for the players."
Despite the defeat, Barron insisted that the trip to Northern Ireland will have a positive impact on his young squad, both on and off the pitch.
"To come away from home and play in a competition like this is all part of a young player's development.
"They've been a real team this week in a real tournament and that will stand them in good stead for the future."
Full Time: Pools 1 Manchester United 4
