The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd

24th January 2017

Blair Joins Hartlepool From Mansfield

League Two side Hartlepool signed winger Matty Blair on loan from fellow League Two side Mansfield on loan until the end of the season. The former Fleetwood man has featured fifteen times for Mansfield this season, scoring seven goals however has been allowed to join Adam Boyd's promotion chasing side.

Matty Blair, 27, who can play on either the right or left wing has been in fine form for Mansfield this season however sat out the match against Hartlepool last Saturday. There is thought to be no deal in place for Blair to join Hartlepool on a permanent deal however. In other news, Hartlepool defender Dan Jones, who is currently out on loan to fellow League Two side Grimsby has signed a new two-year deal with the club. Also, Conor Chaplin who only joined the club a few weeks ago from Portsmouth has been recalled from his parent club and left the club this morning.

Brilliant Burke Helps Notts County Beat Hartlepool

Notts County moved into third place, only four points off second placed Hartlepool win an important win against Adam Boyd's side. Graham Burke grabbed a brace for the home side after Jake Sinclair's opener. Scott Fenwick scored two for Hartlepool but Notts County held on for the win.

Hartlepool went behind after some slack defending in the fifth minute. Jake Sinclair powered his way through and fired the ball under Trevor Carson in the Hartlepool goal. Graham Burke then scored a delightful free kick to put the host firmly in control. Scott Fenwick then headed in to give Hartlepool hope before Burke grabbed his second of the game with a deft header. Scott Fenwick volleyed in his second of the game before half time but Notts County held firm the second half for a solid win. Hartlepool host Tranmere in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Branco*, Worley (c), Guthrie; Szmodics, Ruddock, Walker, Nelson-Addy, Hippolyte**; Hepburn-Murphy***, Fenwick.
Subs: Stryjek, Harrison*, Duckworth, Hollands, Blair**, Bingham***, Lookman.

31st January 2017

Williams Joins Promotion Chasing Hartlepool

Former Brentford midfielder Ryan Williams has joined Adam Boyd's Hartlepool on a free transfer. The midfielder was released by the Championship side at the end of last season and has been without a club since then. Williams failed to make an appearance for Brentford in his time at the club.

Ryan Williams, 25, was a shock signing at the start of last season for Brentford from League Two side Morecambe. Unfortunately for WIlliams, he was unable to force his way into the first team reckoning at Brentford and has dropped down two leagues to join Hartlepool. In other news, Hartlepool have also signed former Wolves striker Bradley Reid on a deal until the end of the season. Reid, 21, will spend this season with the reserve side and has joined on a deal until the end of next season. Adam Boyd has also allowed Jake Gallagher to join Conference side Barrow on a 1-month loan deal after the midfielder requested a loan move away from the club. No more deals are expected to take place this transfer window for Adam Boyd's side.

Hepburn-Murphy Inspires Hartlepool To Comfortable Win

Hartlepool bounced back from their recent loss against promotion chasers Notts County with a convincing win against Tranmere Rovers. Striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy bagged a brace while Ademola Lookman and Ebby Nelson-Addy also found the scoresheet.

Hartlepool went behind early on after Jake Kirby powered a header past goalkeeper Trevor Carson to put the visitors ahead. However, Hepburn-Murphy scored his first goal in four matches when he headed home a delightful Matty Blair cross. Scott Fenwick was then fouled in the box for Nelson-Addy to calmly slot the ball home. Ademola Lookman then came off the bench to score his first goal for the club before Hepburn-Murphy headed home his second of the game. Hartlepool travel to AFC Wimbledon in their next game.

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Starting XI: Carson; Harrison, Worley (c), Guthrie; Duckworth, Ruddock, Walker*, Nelson-Addy, Blair**; Hepburn-Murphy, Fenwick***.
Subs: Carroll*, Branco, Szmodics, Hollands, Williams**, Bingham, Lookman***.

Good to see this back

AFC Wimbledon Destroy Hartlepool In One-Sided Contest

Hartlepool's inconsistent form continued as they were convincingly beaten by AFC Wimbledon in a crashing defeat for Adam Boyd's side. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy had drawn Hartlepool level with seventeen minutes of the match to go however went on to concede four goals in the last sixteen minutes to secure a five-one win for AFC Wimbledon.

AFC Wimbledon captain Wayne Wallace put the hosts into a deserved lead from twenty-five yards with a fine strike. Hartlepool pushed for a equaliser and that equaliser finally came on the seventy-third minute when Rushian Hepburn-Murphy fired home after being played through by Ademola Lookman. Lateef Elford-Alliyu then hit a fantastic hat-trick for the hosts before Brandon Adams scored in injury time to complete AFC Wimbledon's demolition of Hartlepool. Hartlepool host Wycombe Wanderers in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Harrison, Worley (c), Guthrie; Duckworth*, Ruddock, Walker, Nelson-Addy**, Carroll; Hepburn-Murphy, Fenwick***.
Subs: Branco, Blair*, Szmodics, Hollands, Williams**, Bingham, Lookman***.

8th February 2017

Sky Bet League Two Table: Thirty Matches Gone

9th February 2017

Padriag Amond Returns To Hartlepool After Impressive Loan Spell

Striker Padriag Amond has returned to League Two side Hartlepool after an impressive loan spell at Conference side Forest Green Rovers. The Irishman has spent the last three months at the Conference side who currently sit in 2nd position.

Amond, 28, managed seven goals in twelve appearances for the promotion contenders and has now returned to Hartlepool in an attempt to force his way into the first team. Amond stated that first team football at Hartlepool is his main goal this season: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Forest Green but now I am back at Hartlepool, I just want to be playing games. I feel that I am definitely good enough for the Football League and it is my job to show the gaffer that I am good enough". Amond is expected to be in the squad when Hartlepool face Wycombe in only a few days time.

Hartlepool and Wycombe Play Out Bore Draw

Hartlepool were held at home to fellow play off contenders Wycombe Wanderers in an uneventful match at Victoria Park.

Neither side threatened throughout the match however Rushian Hepburn-Murphy went closest however his header went just over the bar. Hartlepool will be happy with a point after their disappointing loss against AFC Wimbledon in the week. Hartlepool travel to lowly Blackpool in their next match as they will look to regain their form that got them into the promotion places.

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Starting XI: Carson (c); Branco, Nelson-Addy, Guthrie; Blair, Ruddock*, Walker, Williams**, Szmodics; Hepburn-Murphy***, Fenwick.
Subs: Harrison, Worley, Duckworth*, Hollands**, Bingham, Amond***, Lookman.

Hartlepool In Another Disappointing Collapse WIth Blackpool Loss

Hartlepool threw away a two-nil lead after they lost to lowly Blackpool in an eventful game at Bloomfield Park. Brad Walker had score a brace to put the visitors ahead however Patrick Hoban hit a hat-trick and Ryan Meadows also scored to secure the win for Blackpool. Ademola Lookman hit a late consolation for Adam Boyd's side however they could not grab the equaliser.

Hartlepool are currently on a bad run of form and are in danger of slipping away from the promotion pack with this latest defeat. Brad Walker had put the visitors in front after he twice scored from distance with two fantastic strikes which flew into the top corner. However, soon after Walker's second goal, Patrick Hoban headed a goal back for the hosts. Hoban then went on to grab a brace as well as a great strike from Ryan Meadows put Blackpool up by four goals to two. Ademola Lookman headed in a late consolation but it was not enough for Hartlepool in the end. Hartlepool host Plymouth Argyle in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson (c); Branco, Nelson-Addy, Guthrie; Blair*, Hollands, Walker, Williams, Hippolyte; Hepburn-Murphy**, Fenwick***.
Subs: Harrison, Worley, Duckworth, Ruddock, Bingham*, Amond**, Lookman***.

19th February 2017

Boyd Blasts Faltering Hartlepool

Hartlepool manager Adam Boyd has blasted his side's current form and stated that the club are in serious threat of dropping out of the promotion fight. Hartlepool have lost six of their last eleven league matches having since only lost three matches in the previous twenty one.

Boyd's side have not won in their past three matches and have conceded nine also in that time. Boyd could not hide his anger at his side's recent performances: "The last few performances have been nothing short of disgraceful. Last season, we had a big chance of promotion but slipped up near the end and I won't stand for it again this time. We need to tighten up at the back and get back to the way we have been playing for the majority of the season". Adam Boyd's side host Plymouth Argyle in their next match.

Delighted to see this has returned Fola, always enjoyed this career.

Woo! Blackpool!

Sorry you had to lose that one

21st February 2017

Hartlepool Striker Dennis Heads Out On Loan

Hartlepool United striker Kristian Dennis has joined Conference side Kidderminster Harriers on loan for one month after falling out of favour with manager Adam Boyd. The talented forward joined Hartlepool in the Summer and has managed five goals in twelve appearances but has allowed leave the club.

Hartlepool are on a run of poor form however have made the decision to let Dennis leave the club. Kristian Dennis could not hide his excitement at leaving the club to gain first team football with Kidderminster: "It's been an extremely frustrating season for me at Hartlepool. I have done well in the games I have played but I am not in the gaffer's ideas at the moment. I can't wait to get started with Kidderminster and hopefully get some goals along the way". In other news, Hartlepool midfielder Jamie Devitt has joined Conference side Macclesfield Town on a one-month loan.

Reid Ruins Hartlepool's Day With Late Double

Hartlepool's poor form continued this afternoon as they lost at home to lowly Plymouth Argyle. Jake Jervis had put the visitors ahead before Brad Walker levelled for Hartlepool. Reuben Reid nodded Plymouth in front before Rakish Bingham poked home an equaliser. However, Reid powered home a late penalty to win it for Plymouth.

Hartlepool started the better side and went behind against the run of play when Jake Jervis headed home at the far post. Brad Walker grabbed a deserved equaliser for Hartlepool when he fired home from the edge of the area midway through the second half. Reuben Reid then headed in a Plymouth corner before Bingham equalised soon after with a fine angled finish. However, only moments later Jake Carroll brought down Reid in the box and the striker dusted himself off to power home. Hartlepool face Dagenham away from home in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Harrison, Carroll; Blair*, Hollands, Walker, Hippolyte; Hepburn-Murphy**, Fenwick***.
Subs: Nelson-Addy, Ruddock, Szmodics, Pennant, Lookman*, Bingham**, Amond***.

Dagenham Destroy Hartlepool Thanks To Williamson Wondershow

Dagenham and Redbridge won a fantastic match when they came out on top by five goals to three against out of form Hartlepool. Ben Williamson grabbed a first half hat-trick for the home side, while Josh Labadie and Elliot Frear also made the scoresheet. Padriag Amond, Jermaine Pennant and Rakish Bingham found the scoresheet for Hartlepool in another extremely disappointing performance.

Hartlepool went ahead early on when Michael Duckworth's cross when headed in at the near post by Padriag Amond. Ben Williamson then hit a twenty three minute hat-trick to put the hosts comfortably in front. Josh Labadie headed in from a corner to put the hosts further ahead before Jermaine Pennant scored his first goal for Hartlepool with a neat finish from range. Rakish Bingham made is four-three when he bundled home from a free kick before Elliot Frear sealed the win for Dagenham with a fine strike from range. Hartlepool host 23rd placed Burton in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley (c), Branco, Carroll; Blair*, Nelson-Addy, Walker, Pennant; Hepburn-Murphy**, Amond.
Subs: Hollands, Ruddock, Szmodics, Hippolyte, Lookman, Bingham*, Fenwick**.

1st March 2017

Walker Named Young Player Of The Month

Hartlepool United midfielder Brad Walker has been named the SkyBet League Two Young Player Of The Month for February. Despite his side's poor form of late the talented central midfielder has managed to pop up with three goals for Adam Boyd's side.

Walker, 20, was named the club's Player Of The Year last season and has been a key figure for the promotion contenders so far this season. Many sides from the Championship are rumoured to be interested in the talented youngster whose contract runs out at the end of next season. Walker stated he was happy to pick up the award: "It's nice to be recognised and I hope this is the first of many individual awards. Overall, I just want to keep playing well and hopefully as a club, we will find our form and get promotion this season".

Hartlepool's Poor Form Continues With Burton Defeat

Hartlepool lost their fourth straight match with a disappointing defeat against relegation threatened Burton Albion. James Wallace found himself on the scoresheet for the visitors as Lucas Akins managed to bag a brace. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy managed to find the scoresheet twice for Adam Boyd's side but it was not good enough for Hartlepool.

Hartlepool had the best of the early chances with Scott Fenwick going close on two occasions. Unfortunately for the home side, James Wallace scored a great long range effort for Burton to put them ahead. Burton made it two just after the break when Lucas Akins headed in from close range. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy managed to get a quick goal back before Akins grabbed his second from the penalty spot. Hepburn-Murphy got his second goal late on but it was too little too late for Adam Boyd's side. Hartlepool face rivals and fellow promotion contenders Carlisle United in their next.

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Starting XI: Carson; Harrison, Worley (c), Guthrie; Szmodics, Nelson-Addy, Williams, Walker, Hippolyte*; Bingham**, Amond***.
Subs: Branco, Carroll*, Hollands, Ruddock, Lookman**, Fenwick, Hepburn-Murphy***.

10th March 2017

Curle: Boyd To Blame For Hartlepool Poor Form

Carlisle United manager Keith Curle has added fuel to the fire ahead of their match with Adam Boyd's Hartlepool side tomorrow. Carlisle currently sit in third position, one place above out of form Hartlepool United and manager Curle has blasted his counterpart Adam Boyd on the eve of the derby match.

Hartlepool won the first encounter between the two sides with a three-one win early on in this season but are currently on a six-match winless run. Keith Curle has stated that he does not believe Adam Boyd is experienced enough to improve his side's fortunes: "Yes, he's done very well to get Hartlepool into the position that he has. However, they are doing terribly at the moment and by the looks of things, their manager can't seem to find a solution. He hasn't been a manager at this level long so his inability to change Hartlepool's form doesn't surprise me one bit".

Hartlepool Improve To Destroy Rivals Carlisle

Hartlepool stopped their run of four defeats with a brilliant win over league rivals Carlisle United. Carlisle went ahead through debutant Diego De Girolamo before Scott Harrison headed in an equaliser for Adam Boyd's side. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy grabbed a double whilst Rakish Bingham, Michael Duckworth and Sammie Szmodics also found the scoresheet for Hartlepool.

Hartlepool went behind just after the half hour mark when De Girolamo seized on a mistake from goalkeeper Trevor Carson to poke the ball home. However, Carlisle were not ahead long before Scott Harrison headed in from a corner to draw the side's level. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy put Hartlepool ahead after the break when he nodded in a cross from Rakish Bingham before Bingham also foudn the net moments later. Hepburn-Murphy then scored with a sublime lobbed finish before Duckworth scored from range. Szmodics scored his first goal for the club late on after he powered home from a tight angle. Hartlepool face relegation threatened Newport County in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham*, Walker**, Hollands (c), Ruddock, Hippolyte***, Hepburn-Murphy.
Subs: Nelson-Addy, Williams*, Szmodics**, Blair***, Lookman, Fenwick, Amond.

Last Gasp Szmodics Winner Wins Match For Hartlepool

Hartlepool had to rely on a last minute winner from substitute Sammie Szmodics to secure them a win against Newport County. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy kept up his impressive form of late to put Hartlepool ahead however Rhys Turner equalised late on for Newport. Newport's hearts were broken late on thanks to a fine strike from Szmodics.

Hartlepool and Newport were even in the first half with neither side managing to break the deadlock. However, soon after the second half started Hartlepool were ahead thanks to Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Hepburn-Murphy reacted quickest when Matty Blair's effort was parried by the Newport keeper into Hepburn-Murphy's path as he poked home. Newport grabbed a deserved equaliser late on when Rhys Turner headed in following Newport corner. Sammie Szmodics won it in injury-time for Hartlepool when he curled the ball into the top right corner from just outside the area. Hartlepool travel to fellow promotion contenders York in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham*, Walker, Hollands (c), Ruddock, Blair**, Hepburn-Murphy***.
Subs: Nelson-Addy, Williams, Szmodics*, Hippolyte**, Lookman, Fenwick, Amond***.

15th March 2017

Carson Called Up For Northern Ireland

Hartlepool United goalkeeper Trevor Carson has received his first call up for the Northern Irish national team to face Azerbaijan next weekend. It is not thought that Carson, 29, will feature in the match however any injuries may change that. Unfortunately for Hartlepool, due to his call up Carson will miss the sides match against Bristol Rovers in ten days time.

Trevor Carson has been ever-present this season for Hartlepool and could not hide his delight at receiving a call up:"I can't believe it, I am just so happy to be involved. I am not expected to get onto the pitch but just being around the squad is something I am very proud of. I have dreamt of representing my country from a young age and hopefully I can get onto the pitch at some point. Obviously at the moment, my mind is on Hartlepool but I can't wait to get with all the Northern Irish lads and get involved". In other news, FC United have signed defender Neale Trotman on a free transfer from Hartlepool.

Thompson Breaks Hartlepool Hearts With Injury Time Strike

York came away with a win against fellow play off contenders Hartlepool. In what was a very even contest, York striker Reece Thompson won it at the death with his sixteenth goal of the season to break Hartlepool's hearts and keep pressure on Adam Boyd's side.

The match itself was an even encounter with limited chances. Michael Duckworth went close with a free kick in the first half however the match looked to be going to a draw before Thompson's late strike. Harry Worley was the man at fault for the goal when he easily dispossessed by Thompson who strode forward and dinked the ball over the advancing Carson. Hartlepool face Bristol Rovers at home in their next match.

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Starting XI: Carson; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham*, Walker**, Hollands (c), Ruddock, Blair, Hepburn-Murphy***.
Subs: Nelson-Addy, Szmodics*, Williams**, Reid***, Lookman, Fenwick, Amond.

Hartlepool Too Strong For Bristol Rovers

Hartlepool beat struggling Bristol Rovers by three goals to one thanks to goals from Rakish Bingham, Scott Harrison and Matty Blair. Hartlepool had gone ahead after only two minutes after Rory Boulding's strike but Hartlepool managed to fight back and grab the win.

Bristol Rovers hit Hartlepool on the counter attack perfectly for their first goal. Rory Boulding beat the offisde and comfortably rounded goalkeeper Maksymillian Stryjek in the Hartlepool goal to put the visitors ahead. Micheal Duckworth's fantastic cross was then headed in by Bingham for the equaliser. Scott Harrison put the hosts ahead with a fine header from a corner before Matty Blair grabbed his first goal for the club with a driven finish from outside the box. Hartlepool travel to Morecambe in their next match.

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Starting XI: Stryjek; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham*, Walker**, Hollands (c), Ruddock, Blair, Fenwick***.
Subs: Nelson-Addy, Szmodics*, Williams**, Reid, Lookman, Hepburn-Murphy***, Amond.

1st April 2017

Hepburn-Murphy Picks Up Monthly Award

Hartlepool United striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy has been named the SkyBet League Two Young Player Of The Month for March. The talented youngster has scored twenty goals this season for Adam Boyd's side as they push for promotion.

Hepburn-Murphy, 18, has been a key man for Hartlepool this season since joining on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa. The striker bagged five goals in March and thanked the Hartlepool fans and manager when being presented with the award: " I'm really happy to win this award as I've been happy with now I've been playing this season. I owe the gaffer and everybody at the club a lot for my recent performances and long may it continue. I want to gain promotion this season and hopefully we can achieve that".

Molyneux Doubles Down Hartlepool

Morecambe came away with a great win against Play Off contenders Hartlepool thanks to a double from Lee Molyneux. Scott Fenwick and Harry Worley found the net for Hartlepool however goals from Paul Mullin and Lee Molyneux won the match for the hosts.

Brad Walker has been in fantastic form in recent weeks and it was his through ball which providing the first goal of the match. Scott Fenwick picked up Walker's ball and calmly slotted the ball past Barry Roche in the Morecambe goal. Paul Mullin headed in an equaliser shortly after before Harry Worley headed in a Michael Duckworth corner to put the visitors back in front. Lee Molyneux then grabbed a headed goal of his own to send the two sides in level before he fired in a winner eleven minutes from time. Hartlepool face Grimsby at home in their next match as they push for promotion.

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Starting XI: Stryjek; Duckworth, Worley, Harrison, Carroll; Bingham, Walker*, Hollands (c), Nelson-Addy, Blair, Fenwick**.
Subs: Guthrie, Szmodics, Williams*, Reid, Lookman, Hepburn-Murphy**, Amond.

2nd April 2017

Sky Bet League Two Table: Fourty Matches Gone

3rd April 2016

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

With only six matches remaining, Hartlepool United currently sit in fourth position in the SkyBet League Two table. Last season Adam Boyd's side lost in the Play Off Semi Final after a disappointing end to the season meant they missed out on the automatic promotion slots. Adam Boyd will be hoping for an improvement on last seasons results. See below the club's final six matches of the season:

8th April 2017: Grimsby (H) - Current League Position: 16th.

11th April 2017: Barnet (H) - Current League Position: 17th.

14th April 2017: Exeter City (A) - Current League Position: 24th.

17th April 2017: Fleetwood (H) - Current League Position: 15th.

29th April 2017: Portsmouth (A) - Current League Position: 1st.

6th May 2017: Crewe Alexandra (H) - Current League Position: 7th.

Pleased to see you've began picking up much needed wins again, KIU.

Good seeing this back and a good few wins starting to creep in. Keep pushing mate!