Welcome back the Suit Direct Stadium this evening and a warm welcome to the players, staff and officials from Mansfield Town Football Club.
As April is almost upon us and the final run in of fixtures approaches it pleases me to see our EFL status secured with plenty of time to spare so we can start to look forward to next season with a bit of time to plan both and on off the field.
It is hard to believe that after this evenings game there will only be 4 more home fixtures at the Suit Direct Stadium and in many ways the season has flown by. I have to say I am really proud of the football team and every member of the squad for the way they adapted back to life in the EFL and their professionalism. Now we can look to have a solid finish and end the season as high as possible. In terms of our backroom team I rarely single out individuals as I strongly believe in a one team mentality on and off the pitch but I would like to thank Karl Hammond our Kit manager for the effort he puts in week in week out and also to pass on the praise we have received this season for the way in which we leave the away dressing rooms and dugouts on our travels. I know it is not just Karl, the whole management team encourage this act of class but nonetheless Karl is in many ways an unsung hero, often travelling alone, ahead of the team, first to arrive, last to leave and he represents Hartlepool United with pride, thank you Karl and keep up the good work.
I am also delighted to report that...
READ THE REST OF STEPHENS NOTES IN TONIGHTS MATCHDAY PROGRAMME.