
New Beginnings
BILLY'S CONTRACT
The start of a new era saw Pools throw their gates open to the fans, which proved a great success with almost 500 in the ground to see the team photoshoot and the unveiling of Pools' new strip. Judging by the numbers you would have thought it was the Turin Shroud that was going on display and not a blue and white footy shirt.
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Encouraging to see Pools players in intense training for climbing up the steps to the Royal Box at Wembley. |
On the day Mick Tait was wearing that bizarre away shirt, the red one with the white shoulder and slanting light blue and red stripes. Not saying it fits but still got mine. Regarding the new shirt I was hoping for something other than stripes unless it was something along the lines of an Argentina light blue or West Brom navy blue style (Sacrilege! -Ed.) That said, the new shirt is not bad at all though I am not fussed on the white patch on the rear. The away shirt is very smart and in a fit of madness I got the old credit card out and purchased one of each.
"it was good to see the players mingle with the fans and this can only strengthen the bond between club and supporters"
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Peter Kioso and Niko Muir, both of whom have impressed pre-season. Scotty Loach as always at the back. |
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Michael Woods asking for a fan's autograph |
The question that got the biggest round of applause on the evening was when Matty Bates was asked about the tactic of leaving one man up front when defending corners, as we have seen in pre-season, is going to be the norm rather than having eleven in the box. In some instances he said that he hopes to have two up front but it will always be a case of horses for courses.
The fans were assured that the remainder of Jack Munns' contract was not fully paid up and a mutual agreement that benefitted Pools and the player was agreed so that he could return closer to his home.
Mark McGuire the (CEO) said, and I would not disagree with him, that one area of the club that needs a massive revamp is the commercial department, which seems to have lost its way and needs to reconnect with businesses in the town and further afield. He mentioned that some advertising hoardings around the ground had remained in place long after the businesses they advertised had ceased their sponsorship. I often wondered about those signs for Bruce Moore's and Bee Lee Coach tours.
All in all a very enjoyable and satisfying day. Let the season commence.
