And so, another season comes to an end.
It has been another year of National League mediocrity for Hartlepool United - a campaign that promised so much at the outset, but ended with a whimper on Bank Holiday Monday against Forest Green.
Amidst uncertainty and disappointment, there were some bright moments. And its time for the Pools Pod's first end-of-season awards!
Five categories to be awarded, with some debate inevitable. Feel free to comment with your choices!
Player of the Season
There are three standout choices for this award - Nathan Sheron, Tom Parkes, and Reyes Cleary. Mani Dieseruvwe netted 17 times in the league, far and away Pools' top scorer, and could also have a claim to being the POTS. As for Cleary - the on-loan West Brom winger has been electric since his move to the north-east in the winter transfer window, with six goals and three assists in 21 appearances. Fans will be hoping he returns to the club for next season, given his contract at the Baggies runs out in the summer.
Vice-captain Parkes has stepped up as de-facto skipper in the absence of Luke Waterfall, and has been a standout at the back. Through a multitude of changes to the backline, he has proven a reliable presence and a strong leader. A moment that stuck in the mind came at Halifax, when he put everything on his line - his head in particular - to stop an effort on goal. A warrior.
The iron man of the side, Sheron has been a consistent presence in midfield - and occasionally at right back - since signing in the summer. Arguably a signing that went under the radar, his availability, robust tackling, and versatility has been a revelation in the side. As such, he is the Pools Pod POTS.
1) Nathan Sheron
2) Tom Parkes
3) Reyes Cleary
Goal of the Season
Another three standouts here. Cleary gets another nomination for his wonderful effort away at Eastleigh in March, while David Ferguson's audacious free-kick just days earlier could also be a worthy winner.
But the award goes to Gary Madine for his ridiculous effort away at Gateshead - an improvised lob from long range that would make it into any highlight reel.
1) Gary Madine v Gateshead, Dec 26.
2) David Ferguson v Fylde, Mar 4.
3) Reyes Cleary v Eastleigh, Mar 8.
Signing of the Season
There can only be one.
Nathan Sheron is our POTS, so it would feel disingenuous not to give him this award too. Reyes Cleary would be the likely winner if he had been signed in the summer rather than January, and Gary Madine deserves a mention too - despite his injury problems in the first few months of the campaign, he has left his mark on the team with his undoubted quality.
1) Nathan Sheron
2) Reyes Cleary
3) Gary Madine
Result of the Season
There are a few results that could be argued are the most impressive, such as the NYD victory over Oldham, or the Easter Monday win over Gateshead. The two results against Sutton were also excellent, given the circumstances and the fact they have proved difficult for Pools in past seasons.
But this award goes to the 4-1 win against Boston in March. The Pilgrims were in inspired form at the time - unbeaten in six, and had won five consecutive away games. But the out-of-form Pools put in arguably their most complete performance to put the visitors to the sword at the Prestige Group Stadium.
1) 4-1 v Boston, Mar 22.
2) 3-2 v Gateshead, Apr 21.
3) 4-3 v Sutton, Oct 5.
Surprise of the Season
Good and bad surprises are part and parcel of football, and Pools have been no exception. Some might say that Nathan Sheron and Reyes Cleary have been very pleasant ones, while Darren Sarll and Adam Campbell have unfortunately not hit expectations.
But the Pools Pod Surprise of the Season is the appointment of Anthony Limbrick to the manager's role in February. Lennie Lawrence had steadied the ship after Sarll's departure, and had stated he would remain in charge until the season's end. But the veteran stepped back unexpectedly to allow the Aussie to take the reigns with three months to go.
1) Limbrick takes over.
2) Sarll leaves in October.
3) Sheron proves a huge hit.
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