Fans’ flak cause of angst for Turner

Oct 22 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

TRANMERE ROVERS will be facing up to opponents with an all-too-familiar problem when they travel to Victoria Park this weekend.

Hartlepool United have been coping with grumbles and criticism from supporters through much of the season as they struggle to put together a run of consistent performances.

While the flak flying from the stands and terraces has been a source of frustration for manager Chris Turner, the situation is nothing like as serious as it became for John Barnes at Tranmere.

The former Liverpool and England winger lost his job with Rovers two months into the campaign in the face of a rising tide of supporter protests and a run of poor results. Physio Les Parry will be in caretaker charge of the team for a third game on Saturday.

Hartlepool’s overall form is a good deal healthier – although three of their league victories were on the road with only one win in six games at Victoria Park.

But their inconsistency is such that they are looking to put back-to-back wins together for the first time since October of last year at Tranmere’s expense.

Turner said: “Just one or two (supporters) think it’s a bit of a laugh to criticise players and management. But let’s see where we are at the end of the season.”

Turner hopes his team – not to mention the home crowd – will be in a buoyant mood when they face Rovers after notching an impressive 2-0 win over Swindon Town last weekend.

Hartlepool ended the 11-game unbeaten run of Danny Wilson’s side at the County Ground. But fans may not forget how Hartlepool disappointed in their last two home games against Grimsby and Brentford.

Turner said: “This is a whole new squad of players and they are as frustrated as anyone at home. There are going to be games like the one against Brentford when it’s frustrating for everyone. But we didn’t get beaten.

“If we can play like we did on Saturday against a (Swindon) team who had not lost since the first day of the season, then we can do it against anyone.

“We have done it to a few teams this season now. People keep telling me about the ball being in the air and we have to keep it on the ground – of course we do.

“But when the opponents are kicking it long and packing their defence in numbers it’s tough.

“On Saturday we passed it well, played some very good football and caused plenty of problems against a side not beaten for a long time.

“Now it’s about at home to Tranmere – if we win we are in the top 10.”