John Askey is set to take the reins for the first time as Hartlepool United welcome Walsall to the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday (3pm KO). After joining the club on Thursday, Askey will want to hit the ground running as the fixtures come thick and fast.
The Opposition
Walsall are 13th in League Two, 15 points above Pools and just seven off the play-offs. They have won 10 of their 30 games this season, and their last five fixtures have all ended in draws. Their last league win was on New Year's Day - a 2-1 victory over Mansfield.
Michael Flynn is the Saddlers' manager, joining from Newport in February 2022.
The History
This is the 57th meeting between the sides, and Pools will be desperate for revenge after a 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In all, Walsall have won 20 times, Pools have won 18 times, and 18 matches have ended in a draw.
Current Pools coach Tony Sweeney has bagged on three separate occasions against the Saddlers, most recently in 2010.
Team News
New manager Askey is without Callum Cooke, Alex Lacey, and Tom Crawford through injury, as well as Jamie Sterry due to suspension. There are no new injury concerns for the new manager, and he'll look to implement the attacking football he's known for from the off.
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