The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd

3rd April 2016

Hartlepool's Final Six Matches: Promotion On The Cards?

Hartlepool are currently sitting in the automatic promotion places of the League Two table. See below the club's final six matches of the season:

9th April 2016: Morecambe (A) - Current League Position: 15th.

16th April 2016: York City (H) - Current League Position: 5th.

19th April 2016: Accrington Stanley (H) - Current League Position: 20th.

23rd April 2016: Oxford United (A) - Current League Position: 2nd.

30th April 2016: Portsmouth (H) - Current League Position: 12th.

7th May 2016: Plymouth Argyle (A) - Current League Position: 8th.

Class as always! Big blow losing Fenwick. Hopefully your team fight for.promotion for him!

Thanks once again for the comment Dan

I was gutted we lost Fenwick to be honest, just hope Oates, Oyenuga and Hyde can step up to the plate. More updates may come tonight but most likely tomorrow as I have a job interview in the morning which I need to study for.

Lowly Morecambe Victorious Against Hartlepool

Hartlepool remain in the automatic promotion places of the League Two table despite losing to Morecambe by a goal to nil. Shaun Miller hit a late strike to grab a deserved win for Morecambe.

Morecambe were the better team throughout against an out of sorts Hartlepool side. Trevor Carson was the best player on the pitch in the Hartlepool goal before he was finally beaten by former Sheffield United striker Shaun Miller. Miller nodded home from a corner after losing his marker with ease. Hartlepool pushed for an equaliser however Hartlepool held on. Hartlepool face fellow play off contenders York City in their next match as they will look to bounce back from this loss.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Magnay (c), Carroll; Bingham, Walker*, Ruddock, Weston**; Hyde***, Oyenuga.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson, Collins, Atangana*, Hawkins, Szmodics**, Oates***.

York Destroy Hartlepool In Top Of The Table Clash

Hartlepool dropped out of the automatic promotion places but remain in the play offs positions after a heavy defeat against York City. James Berrett scored an early penalty for the visitors before Giorgio Rasulo and Reece Thompson secured the win for the away side.

Hartlepool went behind early on when Michael Duckworth's brought down former Carlisle midfielder James Berrett who picked himself up to convert the resulting penalty. Rasulo, on loan from MK Dons grabbed the second on the hour mark after he rounded goalkeeper Trevor Carson before Reece Thompson headed home to seal the win. Hartlepool struggled throughout and rarely threatened the York City goal. Hartlepool host lowly Accrington in their next match.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Magnay (c), Carroll; Bingham, Walker, Atangana, Weston; Robles*, Oyenuga.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson, Collins, C.Smith, Hawkins, Szmodics*, Oates.

Crooks The Hero For Accrington As Hartlepool Slump Continues

Hartlepool remain in the play offs whilst Accrington have secured their league status with a brilliant win away at. Matt Crooks scored a fantastic hat-trick to condemn play off contenders Hartlepool to their second consecutive three nil defeat.

Accrington were ahead after only two minutes after Matt Crooks slipped the ball under the advancing keeper to set the tone for the match. Once again, Hartlepool rarely threatened and look a team bereft of confidence at the complete wrong time for Adam Boyd's side. Before the fifteen minute mark, Crooks had got his second goal heading home free kick after some slack marking. Just before the end of the match, Crooks completed his hat trick with a fine twenty yard strike. Hartlepool have now lost their last three matches and have also failed to score in the last three. They face second placed side Oxford in their next match as they look to get out of this bad form.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Magnay (c), Carroll; Bingham, Walker*, Atangana, Weston**; Hyde, Oyenuga.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson, Collins, C.Smith*, Hawkins, Szmodics**, Oates.

Oxford Confirm Promotion After Win Against Hartlepool

Oxford United's place in next seasons Sky Bet League One has been confirmed after a convincing win against out of form Hartlepool. Martin Smith grabbed the only goal of the game for Oxford in the first half.

Hartlepool have now lost their last four matches and have failed to score in the last four matches, also. Despite their terrible form, Hartlepool currently sit in fourth place and only two points off the automatic promotion spots with only two matches to go. Oxford striker Martin Smith scored the only goal of the game when the forward powered the ball home, an effort which deflected off midfielder Nigel Atangana before going into the top left hand corner. Hartlepool face play off contenders Portsmouth in their penultimate match.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison*, Carroll; Bingham, Ruddock, Atangana, Weston; Hyde**, Oyenuga***.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson*, Magnay, C.Smith, Jones, Szmodics**, Oates***.

24th April 2016

Sky Bet League Two Table: The Play Off Chase

Oh my, you've hit awful form at the worst time of the campaign and you cannot score either. Disastrous!

Wow. First off, that Northampton fixture! 8 goals in the first half and then nothing in the second lol.

Fenwick was obviously playing a vital role other than in goals, that's a terrible run of form. Play off bound it seems, hopefully you won't come up against Yeovil there!

24th April 2016

Jake Hyde Ruled Out For The Season

Hartlepool's on loan striker Jake Hyde has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the play offs if Hartlepool make them with a strained stomach muscle. Hyde has been ruled out for any time up to six weeks and joins fellow striker Scott Fenwick on the sidelines who is also ruled out. Hyde returns to York City at the end of the season and looks to have played his last match for Adam Boyd's side.

Jake Hyde has been in brilliant form for Hartlepool since his loan move to the club in January. Hyde has managed eight goals in fifteen matches, including two hat-tricks along the way. With twenty goal striker Scott Fenwick also ruled out for the season, Hartlepool's promotion play offs will lie with their other strikers. Rhys Oates has only managed one goal so far this season, whilst on loan striker Louis Robles has yet to score for the club. Kudus Oyenuga is the only other fit striker for Hartlepool and he has managed eight goals this season. Hartlepool face fellow play off contenders Portsmouth in their next match as they look to cement their place in the play offs.

Hartlepool Lose Fifth Straight Match With Portsmouth Defeat

Hartlepool have left it until the last day to confirm their place in the League Two play offs after their fifth loss in five matches against Portsmouth. Hartlepool remain in the play off position but must win their final league game against Plymouth to confirm their place. Hartlepool have now failed to score in their last five matches, also.

Former Oldham striker Jonson Clarke-Harris scored the only goal of the game just before the break for the visitors. Clarke-Harris out paced defender Scott Harrison and calmly lofted the ball over Trevor Carson in the Hartlepool goal. Hartlepool pushed for a late equaliser but all in all, Portsmouth were the much better side. Adam Boyd's side face Plymouth in the final match of the season in what in the club's most important game so far.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison, Carroll; Bingham, Walker, Atangana*, Ruddock, Weston; Oyenuga**.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson, Magnay, C.Smith*, Jones, Szmodics**, Oates.

Hartlepool Secure Play Off Place With Plymouth Demolition

Hartlepool have qualified for the League Two play offs after a convincing win against Plymouth on the last day of the season. Hartlepool had neither scored or won in the last five matches however bounced back with a great performance. Rakish Bingham, Kudus Oyenuga and a brilliant hat-trick from Rhys Oates capped off a great win for Adam Boyd's side.

Rakish Bingham scored his eleventh goal of the season after his effort from a tight angle somehow found its way through the Plymouth goalkeeper. Kudus Oyenuga then grabbed Hartlepool's second goal after some good link up play with Rhys Oates found the striker free. Oates then scored two headers from corners to make it four nil to Hartlepool before Oates grabbed his hat rick with less than ten minutes to go with a penalty after Walker had been brought down. Hartlepool will face Cambridge in the League Two Play Off Semi Finals.
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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth*, Worley (c), Harrison, Carroll; Bingham, Walker, Ruddock, Weston; Oates**, Oyenuga***.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson, Magnay*, C.Smith, Jones, Szmodics**, Atangana***.

7th May 2016

Sky Bet League Two Table: Final Standings

8th May 2016

Hartlepool To Face Cambridge In The Play Offs

Hartlepool will face Cambridge in the League Two Play Off Semi Finals after finishing fourth in the table.

The first leg will take place at Cambridge's Abbey Stadium on Friday 13th May before the return leg will take place at Hartlepool's Victoria Park the following Tuesday. Hartlepool have faced Cambridge twice this season, winning the home tie two one thanks to goals from Scott Fenwick and Rakish Bingham. However, Cambridge won the last match between the two sides in an eventful match which saw them win by five goals to three. In other news, Michael Duckworth has been ruled out for the rest of the season after spraining his ankle against Plymouth. Duckworth has played every league game apart from two this season but will miss out on the play offs and join Hartlepool's growing injury list.

Hartlepool And Cambridge Level After First leg

Hartlepool and Cambridge drew the first leg of the play off semi final in an eventful match at the Abbey Stadium. Bersant Celina grabbed a double for the home side however Rakish Bingham and Kudus Oyenuga scored for Hartlepool who also had Scott Harrison sent off for a straight red in the first half.

Celina put Cambridge ahead in the first five minutes after finding himself free at the back post to tap home. However, Cambridge were not in front for long as Rakish Bingham equalised with a fine strike from the edge of the area. Kudus Oyenuga then put the away side in front with a powerful effort from close range before Harrison was sent off. Harrison's red card was his third of the season, again for an ugly two footed lunge which will see him suspended for the rest of the season. Soon after Harrison's red card, Celina grabbed the equaliser for Cambridge. The two sides meet again in five days time.

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Starting XI: Carson; Magnay (c), Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham, Walker, Ruddock, Weston*; Oates**, Oyenuga***.
Subs: T. Smith, Simpson*, Jones, C.Smith, Szmodics, Atangana**, Robles***.

Cambridge Through To Play Off Final After Walker Wondershow

Cambridge's on loan striker Tyler Walker hit a hat-trick to send his side into the League Two Play Off Final where they will face Carlisle United. With the first leg ending two all, Myles Weston and Kudus Oyenuga scored for Hartlepool but Walker was the star of the day in a wonderful match for the loanee from Nottingham Forest.

Cambridge went ahead just before half time after Walker converted a one on one opportunity past Trevor Carson. Moments before Louis Robles had hit the post for Hartlepool from close range in an effort which really should of found the back of the net. Walker then got his second just after the hour mark when he headed in after slack Hartlepool defending from a free kick. Myles Weston slid home soon after for Hartlepool before Walker headed home for his hat-trick. Kudus Oyenuga's left foot strike set up a nervy finish but it was Cambridge who progress through to the League Two Play Off Final.
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Starting XI: Carson; Magnay (c), Worley, Simpson, Carroll; Bingham*, Walker, Ruddock**, Weston; Robles***, Oyenuga.
Subs: T. Smith, Jones, C.Smith*, Szmodics, Atangana**, Hawkins, Oates***.

19th May 2016

Boyd Devastated After Play Off Semi Final Loss To Cambridge

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd could not hide his disappointment after yesterday's defeat in the Play Off Semi Final against Cambridge. Hartlepool finished in fourth position in the league, only two points behind Yeovil who gained automatic promotion. Cambridge only got into the play offs on the last game of the season and will face Carlisle in the deciding match in a weeks time.

"I'd be lying if I told you I was happy because I am not, I am absolutely devastated. At the start of the season nobody gave us a chance and we were favourites for relegation so to get so close is heartbreaking because we really wanted to prove the doubters wrong. The lads have been brilliant this season and I do not have a bad word to say about them. We have been so unlucky this season with injuries, especially losing Fenwick and Hyde near the end but we will go again. Me and Sam (Sam Collins: Assistant Manager) will need to discuss the futures of some of the out of contract lads then we can go off and enjoy the Summer." Boyd said. The club's retained list is expected to be announced tomorrow.

20th April 2016

Retained List Announced

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has released the club's retained list following the defeat to Cambridge:

Players Released
Jordan Richards
**

Players Offered New Contracts
Peter Denton
Ebby Nelson-Addy
Scott Howes
Billy Simpson

Players Leaving The Club After Loan Spell Has Ended
Jake Hyde
Louis Robles
Myles Weston
Blair Turgott
Ted Smith
Sammie Szmodics
Pelly Ruddock

Players Made Available For Transfer
Erhun Oztumer
Dan Jones

Players Contracted Until 2017
Kudus Oyenuga
Connor Smith
Michael Duckworth
Lewis Hawkins
Rhys Oates
Jake Carroll
Scott Harrison
Nigel Atangana

Players Contracted Until 2018
Harry Worley
Trevor Carson
Carl Magnay
Rakish Bingham
Brad Walker
Scott Fenwick

** - A number of youth players have also been released.

Absolutely gutting man! Such a shame after all the good updates, hopefully this doesn't demotivate you!

That's gutting! Loving the updates. Just push on for a title next year eh?

Devastating man, chin up though and hopefully next year will be your year.

What a shame!

Onwards and upwards for next season!

Thanks for the comments lads. Promotion next year will have to do

More updates tomorrow, going to do the Succession Game tonight instead.

28th May 2016

Brad Walker Named Hartlepool's Player Of The Year

Hartlepool midfielder Brad Walker has been named the club's Player Of The Year and last night's award night. Walker started every game last season, managing three goals along the way despite only being 20 years old.

Walker thanked manager Adam Boyd after being presented the award: "I'm delighted to have got this award, especially as it was voted by the fans. I'm only twenty years old and the manager put a lot of faith in my last season which was brilliant. It's a real shame that we didn't manage to gain promotion but we will go again next year, I'm sure of that". Top goalscorer Scott Fenwick came second in the Player Of The Year whilst Rakish Bingham came third. Brad Walker's goal against Dagenham also won the Goal Of The Season award.

9th June 2016

Hartlepool Sign Dennis And Hippolyte

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has moved early in strengthening his squad for next season with the signings of Kristian Dennis and Myles Hippolyte. Dennis joins the club from Conference North side Stockport County and spent last season on loan at Macclesfield where he managed four goals. Myles Hippolyte joins the club from Scottish side Livingston after his contract expired.

Striker Kristian Dennis, 26, managed only four goals last season at Conference side Macclesfield however Adam Boyd has taken a punt on the striker. Before joining Stockport, Dennis was prolific for Non-League side Curzon Ashton where he bagged sixty-two goals in two season. Dennis could not hide his delight at his move to Hartlepool: "I'm over the moon to be given a chance in the Football League and can't wait for the new season to start". Hippolyte, 21, can play on either wing and was a regular for Livington last season in the Scottish Champinship.

12th June 2016

Sam Collins Leaves Role As Assistant Manager At Hartlepool

Hartlepool have announced that current Assistant Manager Sam Collins has left his role at the club with immediate effect. Sam Collins had held the role for two seasons but is to be replaced by former Weston Super-Mare midfielder Ben Kirk who has signed a two-year deal at the club.

Collins released a short statement thanking the fans for his time at the club: "I had been a player at Hartlepool for the last nine seasons and I have loved every minute. Last season was a great season for us and I am very disappointed to be leaving but I have to accept it and move on. I wish the club all the best in the future and I hope they can go on to get promotion next season. The move will be Ben Kirk's first role in a coaching capacity and will become Adam Boyd's new right hand man.

19th June 2016

Erhun Oztumer Joins Exeter From Hartlepool

League Two side Exeter City have signed former Peterborough midfielder Erhun Oztumer from league rivals Hartlepool. Oztumer made fifteen appearances for Hartlepool last season and also made another fifteen appearances in a loan spell at fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Oztumer was made available for transfer by Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd last month and Exeter have moved quickly to sign up the Turkish playmaker. Hartlepool have also allowed left back Dan Jones to rejoin Conference side Grimsby Town on loan for the upcoming season. Jones was also made available for transfer along with Oztumer last month. In other news, Jake Carroll, the man who kept Dan Jones out of the side at left back has signed a new three year deal at the club until 2019.

21st June 2016

Hartlepool Confirm Three New Signings

Hartlepool have made three new signings to bring their number of new signings to five. Pelly Ruddock spent last season on loan at the club and has signed a permanent deal at the club after rejecting a contract offer at fellow League Two side Luton. Jamie Devitt has joined from fellow League Two side Morecambe while Armand Gnanduillet from League One side Chesterfield.

Central midfielder Pelly Ruddock was a key feature in the Hartlepool side last season as he made forty six appearances last season for Adam Boyd's side and has signed a two-year deal at the club. Jamie Devitt scored seven goals from left midfield for Morecambe last season. Devitt rejected a new deal at Morecambe to sign for the club. Finally, striker Armand Gnanduillet managed only two appearances for Chesterfield last season and has signed a two-year deal at Hartlepool after his contract expired at Chesterfield.

23rd June 2016

Hartlepool Sign Up Five More Players Ahead Of New Season

Hartlepool have completed the signing of five new players who will all join the club on free transfers. Striker Padriag Amond joins the club from Conference side Grimsby, goalkeeper Maksymillian Stryjek has joined from Sunderland, Ashley Hemmings has joined the club from fellow League Two side Dagenham, Neale Trotman has joined from Conference South side Sutton United whilst Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has joined from League One side Rochdale.

Hartlepool have now made ten new signings before the side return back to pre-season training in a few weeks time. Padriag Amond scored twenty goals last season for Grimsby in the Conference and has signed a two-year deal at the club. Maksymillian Stryjek has joined the club after his release from Premier League side Sunderland and is expected to become the under study for number one goalkeeper Trevor Carson. Winger Ashley Hemmings turned down a new deal at Dagenham to sign for Hartlepool, he managed nine goals for them last season. Former Preston defender Neale Trotman made nineteen appearances for Sutton last season whilst winger Mendez-Laing failed to make an appearance for Rochdale in his single season at the club.