Not many of us reach the dizzy heights they did, but the principle of unresolved acrimony can apply to us all in one way or another, at one time or another. Case in point: I know of a number of fans who fell out with Hartlepool United because they felt hurt, slighted or disillusioned by the actions of those running the club prior to the Landon Smith era.
Well, I say “fell out with Hartlepool United”, which is not entirely accurate. Poolies tend to be a loyal crew, and it would take something of seismic proportions for there ever to be a divorce. Nevertheless, too many loyal supporters were taken for granted, resulting in attendances falling off and some fans making their way to other clubs on a Saturday afternoon when their hearts were still at Victoria Park. Quite possibly, that matchday routine was lost, somehow, whereby going to games slipped off the radar. It’s easy to get addicted again!
Maybe I can be permitted to use this column to reach out (not in any official capacity) to those who might be contemplating a return to their first love? The real sadness of the Clough and Taylor split is that they were never reunited, something Cloughie regretted to the end of his days. How about it, then? Are you one of those who left, albeit reluctantly? (And, I might add, with good reason.) How about a reconciliation, as the club stands on the brink of a new era?
I make no promises about the Landon Smith ownership. Likewise, the jury is still out regarding Lee Clark’s tenure. All I am saying is, it would be lovely to see absentees making their way back. That has to be worth a try.
Author: Stephen
Author of Poxon's Pools