Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone previews Saturday’s visit to face Truro City in the Enterprise National League

“It’s slightly different to usual preparations. In terms of journeys, you’re not going to get any further than this one,” the manager told local press. 

“We know it will be a tough game. We’ve got to go there and win. This squad is capable of doing that. 

“Tom Parkes will miss out with concussion; it’s a two-week protocol. Gav [Holohan] is struggling with his knee still, and Reiss [McNally] and Charman are obviously out. 

“We’re going to give everything we can now. There’s 10 games left, and 30 points to play for. 

“[For the fans,] it’ll be made a little bit sweeter if we can go down and get a result. What an effort to travel a 900 mile-round trip. Hopefully, we can give them something to shout out about.” 

On John Askey, Truro’s manager and former Pools boss in 2023, Featherstone said:  

“A top manager, as he’s proved countless times at different clubs. He’s done a great job to still be in with a fighting chance of staying up.”  

“I’ve got a lot of time and respect for John. He treated me really well, and was really honest with me when I played and didn’t play.” 

Following Featherstone’s red card after the full-time whistle against FC Halifax Town last time out, the manager will not be allowed in the dug-out at the Truro City Stadium. 

“It’s an emotional game. We understand the referees have a really tough job to do, and in that split-second emotions have got the slight better of me. It was nothing more, nothing less,” the Pools boss added.