We move in to January as our season review continues and it's fair to say there was plenty going on at Pools during the opening month of 2019.
Making The Headlines
The first month of the New Year was to be a dramatic one, kicking-of with the news that skipper Andrew Davies had been released from his contract by mutual consent.
Liam Noble was ruled out for six weeks through injury but Richard Money was able to strengthen his hand with the loan signings of Nicke Kabamba, Luke Molyneux and Michael Raynes.
However, a restructure of the Club’s management was announced on Wednesday 23rd January as Craig Hignett resumed control of First Team affairs and Richard Money set to “oversee football matters strategically”.
The new arrangement didn’t last long though and within a week it was announced that Money and Pools had gone their separate ways after the former Walsall chief had spent just seven weeks at the Club.
High Point
Pools showed great character to come from behind and collect all three points with an excellent second half performance against Braintree Town in Craig Hignett’s first game back in charge.
The visitors went in front just before the break but Pools came out strongly and were back on level terms thanks to a Nicke Kabamba header before Josh Hawkes won it from the penalty spot.
Low Point
Pools were left embarrassed after turning in one of their worst performances of the season in front of the BT Sport cameras in defeat at Harrogate Town.
Richard Money had rung the changes to both his shape and selection but it backfired and Pools were up against it from the moment the hosts went in front just four minutes in to the contest.
Harrogate scored again early in the second half before Nicke Kabamba reduced the arrears on his debut but it never looked likely to pave the way to a comeback and Town made it 3-1 on 68 minutes to clinch the points.
Goal Of The Month Winner
Nicke Kabamba had enjoyed a dream start to life with Pools after joining on loan from Havant & Waterlooville and his header in the win over Braintree Town was crowned as the month’s best.
It was the front man’s second goal in his first two games – but he was nowhere near finished there because February was to be another great month for him.
Points Gained: 6
Goals Scored: 7
Starting Position: 15th
Finishing Position: 15th