Hartlepool United’s Boss Chris Turner says the play-off fight between Millwall, MK Dons and Leeds, can prove key in Pools attempt to survive in League One.
Trips to Charlton, Cash-strapped Southampton and Norwich look already assured but Pools can still mathematically be relegated. Northampton face Leeds and, fourth-bottom, Carlisle host Millwall at home. And Turner believes Leeds and Millwall wont relax.
”Leeds have got a sell-out crowd so they won’t want to lose in their last home game. I think it is important for the play-offs for Millwall because I wouldn’t have thought any of the other three teams would like to face Leeds over two legs.” Turner told the Mail
The Lions, and Leeds, along with MK Dons have their playoff places secure but positions is yet to be confirmed ”Those clubs have still got something to play for so I don’t think they’ll lie down and die.”
A point for Pools will secure safety, but if Carlisle fail to win, Pools will be safe ”We only want one result to go our way and we’ll be okay. But if we draw we’re safe, so that’s what we’ve got to concentrate on.”
Pools have only picked up 8 points on the road since late February but all results, were played in a way Turner wants his side to perform again. ”We’ll play the same game as we did at Colchester, Crewe, Swindon and Yeovil. That sort of performance is what is required.”
Today’s game is sure to be another tense affair but with dressed-up Morris Dancers expected to turn up in the Memorial Stadium’s away end, Pools will have a yet another vocal backing. And the fans could well see Michael Nelson up-front. ”If you’re losing and you need to get something, then you can throw Nelson up-front or anything just to get something back.”
But whatever the result, many players are expected to play their last game for the club. Nelson, Andy Monkhouse, Matty Robson, to name a few have there contracts expiring but their future’s will be the last thing on their mind this afternoon, as Pools go out hoping for survival.
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