Draws in two away games since that 2-0 result have shown that there is still not a lot wrong with the away form, but before the Rochdale game Pools had lost nine on the trot at home, and a record like that takes a lot of forgetting.

Since that awful ruin started, of course, Neale Cooper has returned as manager and his brand of enthusiasm and determination to play attacking football have had an effect on the team’s form.

But Saturday’s visitors, Carlisle, will not be an easy team to beat. They are having a better-than-average season and will be desperate for revenge after losing at home to Pools early in the season.

Just to underline his determination to play attacking football, Cooper has released former Liverpool and Sunderland defender Stephen Wright in the hope that he can use the funds released in that way to sign a striker.

He is also hoping that injured wide-man James Poole is fit again soon because he believes he can add a lot to the team.

Cooper told the Hartlepool Mail that his team is screaming out for a player like Poole, who has been out since Boxing Day and could still be on the sidelines for the Carlisle game.

He added: “It’s so frustrating with James. For an injury which didn’t force him off the day he played at Oldham, we just thought it would be a minor thing, a week or so. But unfortunately it’s still not spot on, so it’s a matter of waiting.

“We have to make sure he’s confident in himself. I thought it would be a week and it’s into its fourth week now.”

Colin Nish is on the verge of his comeback after injury, but big changes for the Carlisle game look unlikely.

Meanwhile, Pools have offered old rivals Darlington a friendly in an effort to raise money for the crisis club.

Over the years, especially recently, a lot of fun has been poked at the Quakers by Pools fans, but surely not many of those who have taken the mickey would want them to become extinct after their latest fall into administration.

Whether a friendly will help, though, is open to question.

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Are Pools really out of bad home rut?

Posted by: The Box of Kippers (IP Logged)

Date: 25/01/2012 16:59

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