Pools striker Gary Madine talks through a dark 18-month injury period, an emotional return to goalscoring form, and an overwhelming sense of pride in helping the Club’s younger talent.
The forward signed at the Prestige Group Stadium at the end of August and has now played 13 games in the blue and white.
“I’ve loved my time here so far,” stated Madine.
“It’s been really good, I finally feel injury-free and the goals are coming so fingers crossed it stays that way.
“We are in decent form at the moment. Saturday against Wealdstone was disappointing, giving the lead away, but on a personal note it’s been really great.
“I’m enjoying the matches but also the bits you don’t see – coming in every day, training, seeing the players and staff, being part of that environment – I’ve felt really welcome here.”
The last two years have been a rollercoaster in Madine’s life.
He’s played over 500 games and won five promotions during an illustrious career, but with 18 months sat on the sidelines following an ACL injury at Blackpool, many doubted the striker.
Now, Madine can look back on that period with nothing but pride.
“I’ve scored six from my last six,” he explained.
“Scoring a goal in any game is a fantastic feeling, but nothing can match my first one against Fylde.
“That was a different kind of emotion – almost like some weight off my shoulders. It was the end of horrible 18 months for myself personally.
“There were some dark days during that period – there were times when I didn’t think I would see light at the end of the tunnel.
“I got through it and I’ll always be grateful to the people who helped me along the way. Hartlepool gave me a platform to come here and show what I’m about, and the way things are going at the moment, I feel confident every time I walk onto the pitch.
“I’ve got a lot to thank my family for. I’ve always lived away from home during my career and being able to spend more time with them is definitely a huge factor in my performances. It was my niece’s first game at Gateshead and being able to score two in front of her was a really nice feeling.
“A lot of people doubted me but thankfully now, I’m coming out the other end of it with a lot of experience and pride.”
Madine’s role in the team is not only important on the pitch, but off it, too.
While continuing to perform in the starting 11, the striker has been a figurehead for the numerous young players learning their trade at the Club.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside Mani [Dieseruvwe],” he added.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always loved playing in a two. I know it’s not going to happen every week – you have to look at the situation and take each game differently.
“Some teams play differently to others and that means changing our gameplan and system. Whether I’m starting, on the bench, or out of the squad – it’s respecting what’s best for the team and getting on with it.
“I think respect is vitally important in football. I’m now a senior head which younger lads look up to, so I’ve got to have the right attitude otherwise they’ll look at me and change their mindset.
“I love that role, it benefits me a lot because I know there’s pressure to help others out. I’ve probably slotted into that role over the last four or five years and I’ve enjoyed doing it.
“I learnt a lot from my last manager Neil Critchley, in terms of on and off the pitch. I just try and pass that information on whenever I get the chance.
“We had an 11 v 11 last week in training. I played alongside Max Storey up top, then Joe Aungiers and Kian Foreman came on. That was a nice experience for myself personally. I just tried to manage them through it, giving them information as the game went on.
“They’re really nice lads and they look to take it onboard, but at the same time, you have to give them a bit of tough love if they’re not working to their maximum ability.
“I’ve been impressed with the up and coming talent here, and hopefully the Club can continue to grow in that respect.”
The striker has worked under a number of high-profile managers during his time in the top three divisions, and he continues to use that experience where he stands today.
“I can take things from every manager I’ve worked under,” he said.
“Some details are so small. For example, Phil Parkinson loved practising throw-ins every Friday. As boring as it sounds, I think it was the Rochdale game in September, we conceded a goal from a throw and that’s when those details click in your head.
“Little things when you come across a certain formation and know exactly how they’re going to set up off the ball, that was very Neil Critchley.
“Other managers are more about mentality and motivation, they’ll get you up for games, shouting, screaming, running around. I think I take little bits from everyone really, the good and the bad, and try and pass on my knowledge when I can.”
Madine finished by outlining his objectives, for both himself and the team, as it heads into the business end of the season.
“It’s about pushing on for myself,” he explained.
“I think I should score every game, that’s the standard I set myself. I don’t see why I shouldn’t be.
“I missed a fantastic chance in the Oldham game in the first three minutes, only five yards out, that still annoys me.
“I’m getting in the right positions so hopefully I can get a few more goals and help the team.
“In terms of the team, I said this when I arrived and I still mean it. I don’t see why, with the players we have, this team shouldn’t be near the top.
“We’re threatening to do it at the moment. We’re getting close and then dropping a few points.
“We need to keep working hard, hopefully get some luck on the injury front, and we can challenge up the table.”
This interview features alongside a host of other exciting content in our Woking programme, available for £3 ahead of kick-off or from the Pools Retail website after the fixture.