Our look back on last term continues and today we reflect on the final month of 2018 and a new man in the Pools dugout.
Making The Headlines
Craig Hignett had taken charge of First Team affairs in the wake of Matthew Bates’ departure but the Club was keen to act swiftly to find a permanent replacement in the dugout.
A thorough recruitment process began and a number of people were linked with the job, but it was veteran boss Richard Money who won the race and he was appointed as the new man in charge on Tuesday 11th December.
One of Money’s first tasks was to bring young defender Harvey Rodgers in on loan from Accrington Stanley, whilst he also confirmed that Jake Cassidy would return from his loan spell at Maidstone United. Tyrone O’Neill and Marcus Dinanga were sent back to their parent clubs.
High Point
After a sequence of seven consecutive National League defeats, it was with some relief that Pools finally got back on track with a hard-fought and well-deserved win at Maidenhead United.
It was a Craig Hignett’s parting gift at the end of his two-game stint at the helm, as Josh Hawkes’ strike from just outside the area on 17 minutes was enough to clinch victory at York Road.
Low Point
Despite it actually being a very encouraging performance, the 2-1 home defeat Dagenham & Redbridge on the opening day of the month was galling to say the least.
Pools were in front early on thanks to a Liam Noble penalty and they bossed the majority of this Super 6 Stadium encounter in what was Craig Hignett’s first game in charge following Matthew Bates’ exit.
However, they couldn’t add to their tally and paid the price in spectacular fashion when the visitors scored twice in injury time to pinch the points and leave the home crowd – and Hignett – stunned.
Goal Of The Month Winner
Richard Money’s first game at the helm came on a dreary afternoon at Leamington in the FA Trophy – a rain and windswept encounter which was lit up by a moment of brilliance from Ryan Donaldson.
The Pools star picked up the ball inside his own half before driving his way forward and into the host’s penalty area before delivering a clinical finish across the goalkeeper.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game – and it also landed him a Goal of the Month gong.
Points Gained: 5
Goals Scored: 5
Starting Position: 13th
Finishing Position: 15th