Pools Preparation Not Helped As Stand-In Team Cut In Half

The Pools parted company with Craig Harrison this week after the club’s 2-0 defeat to FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night left the club in trouble.

Coaches Matthew Bates and Paul Jenkins were placed in temporary charge but there’s been more bad news for the National League strugglers.

Ahead of the game with Ebbsfleet, Jenkins has been forced to take a leave of absence due to a personal matter.

Bates will go it alone but sees no reason why Hartlepool can’t get their second home win on the bounce after last weekend defeating Woking.

"We have gone from three members of staff splitting the role up to one,” the stand-in said in his pre match press conference.

“It has been difficult but it is a learning curve for me. "He [Jenkins] has taken some personal leave, he has some problems at home with his family so he has taken some time.

“I have spoken to him yesterday and he is right behind me and right behind the club."