The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd

1st December 2015

Sky Bet League Two Table: 20 Games Gone

2nd December 2015

Hartlepool Manager Adam Boyd Signs New Deal

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has extended his deal at the club until the end of next season. Boyd's contract was due to run out at the end of this season and has been only been at the club since July of this year.

Boyd has won 9 of his 25 matches in charge of Hartlepool as well as drawing 6 and losing 10. Hartlepool were favourites to get relegated according to many bookmakers at the start of this season however currently find themselves sitting in 11th position and one point off the League Two play off places. Boyd could not hide his pleasure at signing a new deal at the club: "I'm really happy to have extended my deal at the club. It was a big risk by the board to appoint me as manager especially as I did not have any managerial experience but I have been really happy how it has been going so far this season. The league is very tight this season and avoided relegation is our number one priority but it's nice to be sitting so close to the play off positions."

It's a shame to see Matthew Bates retire from football, especially so young. You continue to fire out excellent updates Fola.

Thanks for the comment Shedender I was really shocked to see that Bates was retiring. He was a key player this season but hopefully he'll be able to come back in a coaching capacity at some point.

4th December 2015

Jake Carroll Ruled Out For Six Weeks

Hartlepool left back Jake Carroll has been ruled out until the new year after suffering a strained stomach muscle in training. Due to this injury, Hartlepool have used their recall option on left back Dan Jones who will now return to the club from Conference side Grimsby.

Carroll, 24, is in his first season at the club after joining from Championship side Huddersfield in the Summer. The Irishman has featured twenty three times this season for Hartlepool and has also amassed eight assists so will be a big miss for Adam Boyd's side. Dan Jones however, will be hoping to capitalise on Carroll's misfortune as he returns from Grimsby where he made six appearances in the league, managing to score on an occasion also. Hartlepool's next match is against Portsmouth away from home which will take place next Saturday.

7th December 2015

Billy Paynter To Join League One Side Shrewsbury

Hartlepool striker Billy Paynter will leave the club when the transfer window re-opens on 1st January 2016. League One side Shrewsbury Town have agreed a fee with Hartlepool, believed to be around £10k for the former Swindon striker who has also agreed personal terms.

Paynter, 31, only joined the club in the Summer after his release from fellow League Two side Carlisle United. The strong target man however has struggled to force his way into Adam Boyd's starting eleven due to the form of Scott Fenwick and Rakish Bingham. Paynter has started four matches this season in all competitions, whilst making five more appearances off the bench- with his only goal coming in the side's famous win against Premier League side Sunderland in the Capital One Cup. Paynter will not officially move to Shrewsbury until the 1st January which means he can still play for Hartlepool until then, however that is unlikely.

Tubbs Strikes Late To Snatch Point For Portsmouth

Portsmouth striker Matt Tubbs scored with fifteen minutes left on the clock to gain a point against a strong Hartlepool side. Scott Fenwick had put Hartlepool ahead with his ninth goal of the season however Hartlepool were unable to hold on.

Hartlepool went ahead after only six minutes thanks to a great goal from in-form striker Scott Fenwick. After some good work on the right hand side between Rakish Bingham and Michael Duckworth, Bingham crossed the ball to Fenwick to flicked his header into the bottom corner of Brian Murphy's goal. Hartlepool threatened throughout however were pegged back from Tubbs slotted home after some good work by Kyle Bennett on the left hand side. Hartlepool face Plymouth next at home as they look to keep up their good form.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison, Jones; Bingham*, Walker, Ruddock, Smith**; Fenwick, Oates***.
Subs: Bartlett, Magnay, Oztumer, Atangana*, Hawkins, Oyenuga**, Robles***.

Substitute Oyenuga Grabs All Three Points For Hartlepool

Kudus Oyenuga came off the bench to score the decisive goal at Hartlepool fought past Plymouth Argyle by two goals to one. Former Rangers and Bolton winger Gregg Wylde grabbed his twelfth goal of the season to put Plymouth ahead before Connor Smith scored his first ever professional goal to draw Hartlepool level.

Connor Smith, 19, had not even made the bench for Adam Boyd's side before the Leyton Orient match six games ago. Since then, Smith has played every game in which has seen the club remain undefeated in that time. Smith grabbed his first goal for the club soon after Greg Wylde's long range drive with a tap in from an effort from Rakish Bingham. The youngster who has progressed from the Hartlepool academy tapped home from five yards to send the Hartlepool faithful wild. Rakish Bingham, who put in a man of the match performance then played a perfect cross midway through the second half for substitute Kudus Oyenuga to nod home the winner. Hartlepool host Notts County next on Boxing Day.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison, Jones*; Bingham, Walker**, Ruddock, Smith; Fenwick, Oates***.
Subs: Bartlett, Magnay*, Oztumer, Atangana, Hawkins**, Oyenuga***, Robles.

Good to see your picking up points again after that poor run, fairing well in the league this far

Fenwick's Early Strike Enough As Hartlepool March On

Scott Fenwick scored the only goal of the game as Hartlepool beat Notts County by a goal to nil in a nervy Boxing Day encounter at Victoria Park.

Overall, the match was even fought throughout and Notts County will be disappointed to have come away with no points. Trevor Carson played brilliantly in the Hartlepool goal to keep Notts County at bay and made some great saves in the first half to keep the game at nil-nil. Hartlepool grabbed their goal soon after the break when the impressive Michael Duckworth played a great cross for Fenwick who volleyed past Roy Carroll in the Notts County goal. Hartlepool travel to neighbours Carlisle in their next match in two days time.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Jones; Bingham, Walker*, Magnay (c)**, Smith; Fenwick, Oates***.
Subs: Bartlett, Atangana*, Featherstone, Oztumer, Hawkins**, Oyenuga***, Robles.

Carlisle Complete League Double Over Neighbours Hartlepool

Carlisle ended Hartlepool's good form with a comfortable win which saw Hartlepool lose their first match in eight. Goals from Kevin Osei, Alex Gilliead and Ryan Brobbel were enough for Carlisle in a match where they were rarely threatened.

Hartlepool were second best from start to finish and could not handle Carlisle throughout. Kevin Osei struck first for Carlisle with a great header after some slack defending from Hartlepool. Gilliead then doubled Carlisle's lead after some good work again from Kevin Osei before Ryan Brobbel scored on the counter. Overall, a very disappointing performance by Hartlepool. Adam Boyd's side will be hoping they can find their form when they face Newport County on the 2nd January.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Magnay (c); Bingham*, Walker, Ruddock**, Smith***; Fenwick, Oates.
Subs: Bartlett, Atangana, Jones*, Oztumer**, Hawkins, Oyenuga, Robles***.

1st January 2016

Hartlepool Sign Simpson From Bishop's Stortford

Hartlepool have made their first signing of the January transfer window with the acquisition of former Mansfield youngster Billy Simpson on a free transfer from Conference South side Bishop's Stortford. Simpson was on a non-contract deal with Stortford and has signed a deal until the end of the season with the League Two side.

Simpson is 19 years of age and can play at either right back or centre back. The youngster was released by fellow League Two side Mansfield at the end of last season and had made sixteen appearances for Bishop's Stortford so far this season. It is thought that Simpson will be used as back up for current centre backs Scott Harrison and Harry Worley. Simpson thanked manager Adam Boyd for giving him a chance in the Football League: "Once I heard of Hartlepool's interest there was no way I would be saying no. I have signed a six month contract and will be trying my hardest to get a new contract".

Five Star Hartlepool Destroy Newport

Hartlepool produced one of the performances of their season so far this afternoon beating Newport County by five goals to one. The scoreline was even more impressive as they had centre back Scott Harrison sent off just after the half hour mark for a two footed lunge. Scott Fenwick grabbed a brace whilst Nigel Atangana, Rakish Bingham and Kudus Oyenuga completed the scoring.

Hartlepool were ahead within forty three seconds after Scott Fenwick rose highest to nod home a Michael Duckworth corner. Newport equalised soon after through Biabi after his effort found its way in at Trevor Carson's near post, however Nigel Atangana scored his first ever goal for Hartlepool only a minute later, firing home from a tight angle. Scott Harrison was then dismissed for Hartlepool for an ugly challenge just before Fenwick scored again to bag his twelfth goal of the season. Rakish Bingham and Kudus Oyenuga scored in quick succession in the second half to secure a brilliant win for Hartlepool. Hartlepool host bottom of the table Stevenage next up in the league.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison, Jones; Bingham*, Walker**, Atangana, Oztumer***; Fenwick, Oyenuga.
Subs: Bartlett, Nelson-Addy, Ruddock*, Smith, Hawkins**, Oates, Robles***.

4th January 2016

Hartlepool Loan Deal For Ryan Hall Falls Through

Hartlepool have seen a loan move for winger Ryan Hall from fellow League Two side Luton Town fall through. A loan deal was expected to be completed which would of seen the former Southend winger join Adam Boyd's side until the end of the season only for Luton to increase their wage demands at the last minute.

Hartlepool were rumoured to have agreed to pay 90% of Halls wages until the end of the season however Luton decided at the last minute that Hartlepool would need to pay 100%, which consequently Hartlepool could not afford. Ryan Hall has only featured five times this season for Luton and is thought to be extremely disappointed with Luton's decision to block the move. In other news, it has been rumoured that Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has been in talks with former Blackpool and Leicester front man Gary Taylor-Fletcher about a move to Victoria Park.

5th January 2016

Hartlepool Release Featherstone

Hartlepool have released midfielder Nicky Featherstone after his contract has been terminated by mutual consent. Featherstone had previously expressed his disappointment at a lack of first team football and now has agreed a move away from the club.

Featherstone's contract was due to run out at the end of the season but the club have decided to let the former Walsall midfielder leave six months early. Hartlepool's loan move for Luton midfielder Ryan Hall fell through yesterday which could be a reason behind Featherstone's departure due to the fact that Hartlepool need funds to strengthen the squad. Featherstone made twenty five appearances for the club last season and eleven this season.

5th January 2016

Louis Robles Returns To Wigan After Goalless Loan Spell

Striker Louis Robles has returned to League One side Wigan Athletic after Hartlepool decided against extending his loan spell. Robles, 19, joined Adam Boyd's side in October but failed to score in any of his eleven appearances for the club.

Robles will be disappointed to have not made an impact at Hartlepool and will now return to Wigan Athletic who are currently top of League One. Robles departure is expected as Hartlepool have already allowed Nicky Featherstone to leave the club today to free up wages. Hartlepool have only made one signing so far this January transfer window, that being young defender Billy Simpson from Conference South side Bishop's Stortford.

Fenwick On Form As Hartlepool Beat Bottom Placed Stevenage

Hartlepool came back from a goal behind to beat bottom placed Stevenage thanks to goals from Kudus Oyenuga and a brace from their top goalscorer Scott Fenwick. Stevenage had gone ahead with a twenty five yard free kick from Charlie Lee but Hartlepool fought back for the win.

Charlie Lee put Stevenage ahead just after the half hour with a brilliant free kick giving goalkeeper Trevor Carson no chance. However, Stevenage's lead only lasted five minutes after Kudus Oyenuga fired home after a good ball from Fenwick. Fenwick then grabbed his first goal of the game after some good work on the right from Rakish Bingham before sealing the win late on with a deft header. Hartlepool host Wycome Wanderers next in the league in a weeks time.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Collins*, Jones; Bingham, Walker, Atangana, Oztumer**; Fenwick, Oyenuga***.
Subs: Bartlett, Simpson*, Carroll, Smith**, Magnay, Ruddock, Oates***.

10th January 2016

Gary Taylor-Fletcher Turns Down Hartlepool Move

Former Tranmere Rovers attacker Gary Taylor-Fletcher has turned down a move to League Two side Hartlepool. Taylor-Fletcher had been in talks with manager Adam Boyd over a move to the club but the deal has fallen apart due to the striker's wage demands.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher, 34, spent last season playing in the Premier League for Leicester as well as loan moves in the Championship to Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday. However, the experienced front man has recently left Conference side Tranmere Rovers where he managed 11 goals in 23 appearances as well as 7 assists. The collapse will come to a frustration for Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd who also saw a move for Luton midfielder Ryan Hall also fall through recently.

11th January 2016

Wood Leaves Hartlepool By Mutual Consent

Michael Woods has become the latest player to leave Hartlepool after his contract has terminated six months early after returning from his loan spell at Conference side Kidderminster Harriers. Hartlepool have already let Nicky Featherstone, Louis Robles and now Woods leave this January in an attempt to free up funds for new players.

Woods, 25, was once on the books at Chelsea after they paid £2.5 million for him as a youngster from Leeds United however joined Hartlepool two seasons ago from Conference North side Harrogate. Woods featured twenty one times last season as Hartlepool stayed in the Football League however found himself out of favour this season under new manager Adam Boyd. Wood has been on loan spells at Conference sides Grimsby and Kidderminster so far this season and is expected to sign a permanent deal with Kidderminster over the coming days.

13th January 2016

Lack Of Signings Frustrate Boyd As Another Deal Falls Through

Hartlepool have seen another loan deal fall through at the last minute, this time being for Burton Albion midfielder Abdenasser El Khayati. Hartlepool had had a loan offer accepted for the Dutchman only for Burton to now decide that they would like to give him a chance in their first team.

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has seen Nicky Featherstone, Louis Robles and Michael Woods leave the club with the only signing coming in the form of Bishop's Stortford defender Billy Simpson. Boyd has also seen moves fall through for Ryan Hall, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and now El Khayati. "It's really frustrating to see these deals fall through as we're in such a good positions and need to strengthen the squad. We aren't expected to be anywhere near the play off places but we are and we need to make a good go of it. We are letting a few players go so we can free up funds and to be honest, a few more could leave. I don't want us to miss out on any more players and be struggling to make a full squad. We need to get this sorted".

14th January 2016

Adam Bartlett Becomes Latest Player To Leave The Club

Hartlepool have released goalkeeper Adam Bartlett after agreeing a compensation deal with the former Gateshead stopper.

Bartlett, 29, joined the club in the Summer from Conference side Gateshead after being announced their player of the season. However, Bartlett has seen himself second choice this season thanks tot the form of Trevor Carson and Boyd has taken the decision to allow the goalkeeper to leave the club after making only one appearance this season. Boyd stated yesterday that players will need to leave the club to free up funds for new acquisitions. However, Hartlepool fans will be hoping to see new signings sooner rather than later as players continue to leave the squad. The decision to let Bartlett leave the club means that 19 year old Peter Denton will now become the club's back up goalkeeper. Denton has never made an appearance for the club.

15th January 2016

Myles Weston Joins Hartlepool On Loan Until The End Of The Season

Hartlepool have made their second signing of the January transfer window which has seen left winger Myles Weston join the club on loan until the end of the season from League One side Southend.

Weston, 27, has only featured once this season for Southend despite featuring thirty four times for them last campaign. Hartlepool fans will be happy to see the arrival of the former Gillingham winger as four players have been allowed to leave the play off contenders in the past week. Weston stated he was happy to be joining Hartlepool and hoping to help in the club's fight for the play offs. "I'm buzzing to be here and hope I can do well here. The play offs are where we want to be and I know the gaffer is looking at bringing a few more lads in too so it's exciting". Weston is expected to make his debut for the club in tomorrows match against fellow play off contenders Wycombe Wanderers.

Great updates. After a bad spell of matches, nice to see you start picking up points again to get that push towards the play-offs. Despite the loss to Carlisle who are going for automatic promotion by looks of it, had some impressive victories lately to bounce back from that defeat.

Disappointing to see Bates retire, considered him a good player and is a big loss. One of the biggest difficulties with lower clubs is holding onto players and trying to find/bring in talent to help the team - especially with the finances aspect of it all.

Fingers crossed we can make play offs mate. Thanks for the comment.

Thanks again for the comment mate. Glad to see you're enjoying and I really hope we can make the play offs. It was a real shame to lose Michael Bates and I was really shocked to see him retire as he started every game for me. The finances are tough, players are having to leave the club but I think the reinforcements brought in have been an improvement.

Worley Header Grabs Win For Hartlepool In Close Encounter

Hartlepool continued their good form with a close win against fellow play off contenders Wycombe Wanderers. Centre back Scott Worley headed in his first goal of the season, nodding in a free kick from left back Jake Carroll.

Hartlepool had goalkeeper Trevor Carson to thank in the first half for keeping a clean sheet as the former Cheltenham stopper denied Elliot Lee on two occasions. Hartlepool took the lead soon after the break thanks to Harry Worley's first goal for the club. Hartlepool managed to hang on for an important win and travel to Cambridge next in their upcoming encounter as they will look to keep up their good form.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Magnay (c), Carroll; Bingham*, Walker, Atangana, Weston**; Fenwick, Oyenuga***.
Subs: Denton, Collins, Jones, Oztumer, Ruddock*, Smith**, Oates***.

17th January 2016

Louis Robles Returns To Hartlepool On Loan

Hartlepool have completed the loan signing of Wigan Athletic striker Louis Robles until the end of the season. Robles had previously been on loan with Hartlepool where he failed to score in his eleven appearances for the club, however manager Adam Boyd has decided to bring the striker back to Victoria Park.

Robles, 19, thanked Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd for deciding to bring the Spaniard back to the club: "I'm delighted to be here and was really disappointed to find out that my initial loan spell was not extended. However, I am really happy that the gaffer (Adam Boyd) has given me an opportunity here and I am looking forward to getting back involved with the lads. My first spell here I didn't manage to score a goal but I am confident in my ability and I am sure I can succeed here". Robles will be hoping to be in Adam Boyd's starting eleven when Hartlepool face Cambridge in their next match.

21st January 2016

Joe Lolley Chooses Loan Switch To Cambridge Over Hartlepool

Huddersfield Town striker Joe Lolley has joined League Two side Cambridge United on loan until the end of the season. The former Kidderminster attacker revealed that he turned down Adam Boyd's Hartlepool to make the move to Cambridge. Coincidently Lolley is expected to make his debut for the club in two days time against Hartlepool.

Lolley, 23, moved to Huddersfield from Conference side Kidderminster for £300k three seasons ago. The striker did feature for the Championship side seventeen times last season, scoring three times however has only featured once this season. Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd recently revealed publicly his frustration at missing out on many of his transfer targets in this transfer window and Lolley has now become the latest player to turn down the play off hopefuls. Adam Boyd has let a number of players leave the club this month while adding defender Billy Simpson and left winger Myles Weston to the squad.

Lolley Inspires Cambridge Comeback To Beat Hartlepool

Hartlepool suffered only their second defeat in thirteen matches as Cambridge came out victorious in a thrilling match at the Abbey Stadium.

Cambridge winger Jeff Hughes put the hosts ahead just before the break after Joe Lolley had seen his header crash off the bar. However, Hartlepool managed to go into the break level after captain Carl Magnay poked the ball following a goalmouth scramble. Joe Lolley, the man who turned down Hartlepool to join Cambridge only two days ago then scored the goal of the game with a brilliant twenty five yard strike to put Cambridge back in front. Scott Fenwick then grabbed his fifteenth goal of the season from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the area. Winger Rakish Bingham put the visitors ahead however goals from Luke Berry, Tyler Walker and Liam Hughes sealed a brilliant comeback for Cambridge. Hartlepool host Exeter in the league next as they will look to bounce back from this heavy defeat.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Magnay (c), Carroll; Bingham, Walker, Ruddock*, Weston**; Fenwick, Oyenuga***.
Subs: Denton, Collins, Jones, Atangana*, Robles, Smith**, Oates***.

25th January 2016

Striker Jake Hyde Joins Hartlepool On Loan From League Rivals York

Hartlepool have completed the loan signing of striker Jake Hyde from fellow League Two side York City until the end of the season. Hyde, 25, had only featured nine times this season for York however managed to find the net on three occasions.

York are currently sitting only two points behind Hartlepool in the league, sitting just outside the play off positions so it has shocked many that Hyde has been allowed to join one of their rivals. Hyde joined the club from Barnet last season for a fee of £40k and was a regular for York last season however found himself on the peripherals of the first team this season. Hyde's contract at York does not run out until the end of next season so Hyde is expected to re-join York at the end of this current season. It is rumoured that Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd is expected to conclude the deals of a number of new players to join the club before the transfer window shuts in just under one weeks time.