Hartlepool United's half term grades as Pools head into second half of season in play-off contention

01/07/2025 01:00 AM

Hartlepool United have now played more than half of their National League matches this season. Despite a promising start that saw them pick up seven points from their opening three games, it didn't take long before the wheels fell off under outspoken former boss Darren Sarll. However, veteran manager Lennie Lawrence, who turned 77 in December, and new coaches Anthony Limbrick and Gavin Skelton have helped transform their side's fortunes, with Pools edging towards the play-off places. There is still lots of work to be done, and more sceptical supporters might point to the fact their side have only won five of their 12 league games since Lawrence took charge, but few would dispute that Pools look to be heading in the right direction. Here's what our Pools writer made of the players in the first half of the season.